The word ‘diva’ has some fascinating origins, which may shed some light on the truth of what it is to be one, and whether the term should have the connotations it has today.
‘Diva’ has its roots in Latin, meaning ‘goddess’, and later became used to describe opera’s prima donnas. As the golden age of cinema began to unfold in the first half of the 20th century, the term was applied to actresses.
The Original Hollywood Divas
The persona of the archetypical diva – charismatic, demanding and influential – was evident in some of Hollywood’s very first female stars. The studio system even cultivated the image, finding that the extravagance and larger-than-life personas of their stars was great for business.
Greta Garbo is arguably one of the very first, with a fierce attitude that captivated audiences and demonstrated female independence. She retained control over her public image, and insisted on privacy, gaining her a rebellious reputation.
Throughout these early decades of the golden era, stars including Marlene Dietrich and Mae West exhibited a level of confidence that audiences found captivating. They had wit and cosmetic appeal, and studios like MGM and Warner Bros. leant into this.
The Mid-Century Divas
By the 1950s and 60s, divas were more than just feathers in the cap of the major silver screen studios. They were fully-fledged cultural icons, with box office clout and brands of their own.
The divas of this era are epitomised by Elizabeth Taylor (Cleopatra, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and the iconic Marilyn Monroe (Some Like it Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes). These women were glamorous and beautiful, artistic and strong.
In these mid-century years, the impact of Hollywood’s divas spilled off the screen, influencing fashion, activism, and all elements of pop culture.
The Aesthetic of the Modern Diva
In some respects, the aesthetic of the modern diva has shifted in an even more glamorous direction, with many performing extravagant, sold-out shows, especially in Las Vegas. The Vegas scene has proven to marry well with the diva lifestyle, drawing such powerhouses as Celine Dion, Cher and Mariah Carey.
The glitz and glamour of Vegas is inseparable from the image of the diva, and these vibes translate into the online casino sphere too. Many online casinos offer slots and other casino games with a backdrop that draws inspiration from the extravagance of “Sin City”.
Some sites even go as far as to put Vegas in their brand name, such as Sky Vegas, LeoVegas and Vegas Wins, most of which are extremely popular among players and offer a competitive casino bonus code. These platforms tap into the aesthetic of Las Vegas and it’s intrinsic connection to the eccentric diva to provide an authentically exuberant Vegas experience from the comfort of your own home.
It seems that a mix of sequins, a bedazzled microphone and the distinctive shiny backdrop of Vegas is the perfect concoction to make the modern diva.
The Legacy of the Hollywood Diva
Today, it’s common to see headlines which ‘slam’ certain celebs for diva-esque behaviours, or which explore the extent to which they’re just spoiled stars. However, there’s a lot more to these influential women than the headlines might suggest.
Divas like Lady Gaga and Beyonce continue to inspire generations of creatives, and there can be little doubt that the legacy of the Hollywood diva lives on as an enduring symbol of boldness.
