Faye Dunaway Has Returned To The Limelight: See 7 Gorgeous Throwback Photos Of Her Heyday

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Faye Dunaway was born in 1941 and decided she was going to be an actor when she was just 5 years old, and several decades years later, those career ambitions are still going strong. Although Dunaway has taken breaks at varying intervals, in 2026, she had three upcoming projects and was busy making in-person appearances at multiple film festivals. From pantsuits to evening gowns, she remains a striking figure. While Dunaway looks a little different compared to 50-plus years ago, some things remain the same: that piercing gaze, stunning cheekbones, and ability to rock a hat were qualities that made her stand out during her early onscreen roles.

Some fans might remember Dunaway best from the 1981 cult classic "Mommie Dearest." Although Dunaway bore an uncanny resemblance to screen legend Joan Crawford, she felt her intentions as an actor differed from audiences' reactions. "After 'Mommie Dearest' my own personality and the memory of all my other roles got lost along the way in the mind of the public," Dunaway explained in her 1996 memoir, "Looking for Gatsby."

Despite those fears, Dunaway's other works like "Bonnie and Clyde," "Chinatown, "Network," and many more also loom large. Onscreen and off, Dunaway had a stunning presence from the start, even if she didn't always feel that way. "I didn't think my face was beautiful," Dunaway surprisingly confided to People in 2016. However, we beg to differ. Take a look at these photos from Dunaway's heyday, and it's easy to see why audiences were charmed.

In this 1967 pic, Faye Dunaway's captivating gaze was enhanced by her sleek, face-framing hair and chic beret. She was at the beginning of super-stardom, thanks to her performance as famed outlaw Bonnie Parker in "Bonnie and Clyde." Although Dunaway looked quite different from the real-life Parker, she felt she embodied her in spirit. "There was a real kind of fierceness I'd seen in Bonnie that I recognized in myself," Dunaway declared in her book, "Looking for Gatsby."

Dunaway not only brought Parker's character to life, but she also influenced fashion trends, including creating a massive demand for authentic French berets.

With her dramatic hat and tailored coat, Faye Dunaway looked like she'd be right at home at a royal wedding in this throwback movie still. However, she was actually spying on Steve McQueen as he played polo in 1968's "The Thomas Crown Affair." Dunaway looked outstanding, with bold eye makeup and pale lipstick that epitomized late '60s glam. Throughout the movie, she rocked multiple examples of elegant headgear in her role as a tough-as-nails investigator. 

Although their on-set dynamic could be contentious, Dunaway became fond of the super-famous McQueen. "I loved the way he'd pull his vest down, so confident and cocky and vulnerable at the same time," she informed People in 2016.

In 1974, hats continued to be part of Faye Dunaway's dynamite style. Just like in "Bonnie and Clyde," Dunaway had a  glamorous, albeit more upscale, take on 1930s style in "Chinatown." The film's ace costume designer provided impeccable ensembles like this soft gray fedora and tailored suit, while a pro stylist sculpted her blond tresses into waves worthy of old Hollywood stars.

Jack Nicholson championed casting Dunaway, and she became friends with him and his longtime partner, Anjelica Huston. Dunaway was delighted with the role of Evelyn Mulwray, and she received one of the film's 11 Oscar nominations.

Faye Dunaway looked gorgeous again in 1974 when she reunited with Steve McQueen for "The Towering Inferno." Her glittering earrings and sleek updo highlighted her amazing cheekbones. She continued to look fabulous in her flowing evening gown even after the fire started ruining everyone's evening in the film.   

Despite her stunning appearance, Dunaway wasn't super jazzed about participating in the film and felt that her agents pressured her into taking the job. "There are films that I have made that did much worse at the box office, yet had characters with such promise. This was not one of them," she wrote in "Looking for Gatsby." 

The third time was the charm for Faye Dunaway, at least for the Academy Awards. After being nominated for "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Chinatown," Dunaway finally won in 1977 for her performance in "Network." Here, Dunaway looked straight out of old Hollywood. She struck a glamorous pose while clutching her statue in one hand. 

The award also helped pave the way for Dunaway's second marriage to photographer Terry O'Neill. Sparks were already flying when O'Neill chatted up Dunaway at a photo shoot shortly before her win, suggesting they meet up for another photo session if she were victorious. 

In April 1983, Faye Dunaway and Terry O'Neill got dressed in their finest for "The Wicked Lady" premiere. Dunaway's participation in the film prompted their move to the U.K., and they got married there. Between her hair tumbling down her back in soft curls and her plush fur coat, Dunaway looked every inch a movie star here.

Dunaway played the role of a gangster in "The Wicked Lady," and the period piece remains one of her lesser-known works. However, she had a blast performing and developed some serious riding skills, including the ability to ride sidesaddle.  

In 1999, Faye Dunaway looked amazing in a black sequined halter gown at the Golden Globes. She won "Best Supporting Actress" for her role in "Gia." Once again, Dunaway showcased her ability to portray a real-life person, depicting Wilhelmina Cooper, a former model and talent agent. Like Dunaway, Cooper's cheekbones were part of her claim to fame. However, it was Dunaway's ability to bring this tough, no-nonsense businesswoman to life that netted her the acting award. It was Dunaway's second time winning this category; she previously took home the 1985 Golden Globe for the historic miniseries "Ellis Island."