Hedy Lamarr: Film star or scientist?

KNOWN AS the ‘most beautiful woman in the world’ and a Hollywood film star, she was cast by Louis B Meyer and Cecil B DeMille. She married seven times and had even more lovers, including actor Spencer Tracy and JFK before — she insisted — he was President. Disney's Snow White and Cat Woman were both based on her iconic dark-haired, pale-skinned look. But Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000) didn't want to be celebrated for her acting nor her appearance. She wanted to be called an inventor and scientist.