Hollywood’s Glamorous Genius
Born in Vienna in 1914, Hedy Lamarr became one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, earning the title “most beautiful woman in the world.” Behind her stunning looks was a brilliant mind, evident from her childhood curiosity when she dismantled and rebuilt a music box at age five.
A Revolutionary Invention
During World War II, Lamarr co-invented “frequency hopping” with composer George Antheil. Their device used radio frequencies to prevent enemy ships from jamming torpedo guidance systems. Though initially rejected, this innovation later became the foundation for modern technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
War Effort Contributions
Lamarr actively supported the Allies, raising $25 million in war bonds by traveling to 16 cities in 10 days. She also initiated a letter-writing campaign for servicemen and appeared at the Hollywood Canteen to boost morale.
Recognition and Later Life
Lamarr’s patent expired before her concept gained widespread use, but in 1997, she received the Pioneer Award from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. After her Hollywood career, she lived modestly, continuing to invent until her death in 2000 at age 85.
Hedy Lamarr, hailed as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” was more than a Hollywood star. Known for films like Algiers and Samson and Delilah, she also co-invented a groundbreaking wartime technology that became the basis for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.🧵1/4👇 pic.twitter.com/zvu2Rh9Xzv
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 3, 2025