In what can only be described as a "bad couple of years for men", Asta Nielsen was the first Sex Symbol of Hollywood, starring in her first silent film "The Abyss" in 1910. Her salary in 1911 was $80,000, which adjusted for inflation, is worth about $312,000,000 today. She was such a famous movie star (and movies were so rare in the world) that she was famous in every country in the world (with electricity).

Though her films were created in Germany and she spoke no English, the "silent" nature of the films allowed her to star anywhere. Unfortunately, when talkies emerged in the late 20's, her career disappeared.

1980's - Madonna ->

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