Betty Grable Show Off Her Famous Million Dollar Legs in 1943

Betty Grable, a prominent actress, singer, and dancer in the 1940s, was famously known as the woman with the “Million Dollar Legs.” This nickname came not only from her incredible talent and stunning looks but also from the insurance policy taken out by 20th Century Fox on her legs for $1 million, a staggering amount at the time. Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of Grable’s legs and thighs (18.5 in (47 cm)), calf (12 in (30 cm)) and ankle (7.5 in (19 cm)). Describing her film career, Grable said: “I became a star for two reasons, and I'm standing on them.”

When Betty Grable was profiled in the June 7, 1943, issue of LIFE, she shared headline status with another entity: her own legs, which the magazine dubbed a “major Hollywood landmark.” The previous February, an impression of her leg had been immortalized in the cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

In fact, the published photo essay was nearly all legs. The face of the actress was seen in only one of the pictures that accompany the story. Here, Grable’s face has been restored to several of them.

The legs at work on the set. They are clad in this costume in Betty’s latest screen appearance, Coney Island, a picture which dwells on them at considerable length.

The legs relaxing. Betty is athletic, but she does not have to take special exercises or massages to keep her figure shapely.

Betty Grable, 1943.

Betty Grable getting cold cream applied to her legs by LIFE photographer Walter Sanders as he prepares her for a photo session at studio.

Betty poses the legs for a still shot on a studio beach set. She has made more such leg art stills than any other actress.

Going to studio in the morning, Betty steps into roadster. Once asked to comment on her hips, well displayed here, she said, “They’re just where my legs hook on.”

Betty Grable, in her dressing room at 20th Century-Fox studios, pulled on black mesh stockings for a scene that would feature her famous legs, 1943.

Betty Grable, 1943.

In the course of a day Betty’s legs walk, climb stairs, dance and are generally flexed like other legs. Here the legs are shown as she prepares morning shower at home.

Impression of Betty’s leg made in court of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. “Thanks Sid” is addressed to Mr. Grauman.

Betty Grable, 1943.

(Photos by © Walter Sanders The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock, via LIFE.com)