Bette Davis was one of Hollywood’s most formidable and influential actresses. Renowned for her uncompromising intensity and striking presence, Davis broke away from the glamorous mold of the studio system to craft a career built on bold, complex, and often unlikable women. From early successes like “Dangerous” (1935) and “Jezebel” (1938) to iconic performances in “Now, Voyager” (1942), “Dark Victory” (1939), and the legendary “All About Eve” (1950), Davis redefined what screen acting could be—raw, fearless, and unapologetically human. We will examine her long tenure at Warner Bros., her battles with the studio for better roles, and her lasting influence on portrayals of strong women in cinema. The lecture will also consider her later career revival in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962), her public persona as a sharp-tongued Hollywood survivor, and her enduring legacy as one of the true pioneers of classic film actors.