
In 1968, Hawn became a breakout star as the giggling comic foil on TV's 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' She translated that fame to film almost immediately, winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 'Cactus Flower' (1969). The award established her as a major comic actress for decades to come.
Hawn was born in Washington, D.C., and trained as a dancer before finding fame on 'Laugh-In.' Her bubbly comic persona made her a national favorite.
She won an Oscar for 'Cactus Flower' and later took creative control as a producer on 'Private Benjamin.' That move made her a powerful force in Hollywood comedy.
Hawn headlined hits across four decades, often alongside partner Kurt Russell. Films like 'Overboard' and 'The First Wives Club' kept her a beloved screen presence.
Portrait: Nadja Amireh (getnoticed.de) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons