Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000) was an Austrian-American actress and inventor. Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler on November 9, 1914, in Vienna, Austria, she became a Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s, known for her beauty and talent. Lamarr appeared in numerous films, including “Algiers” (1938) and “Samson and Delilah” (1949).

Beyond her successful acting career, Hedy Lamarr also made significant contributions to technology and science. During World War II, Lamarr, along with composer George Antheil, developed a frequency-hopping system for radio communication. This invention aimed to prevent enemies from jamming signals and interfering with radio-controlled torpedoes. The concept involved rapidly changing the frequency of the transmitted signal in a pattern known to both the transmitter and the receiver, making it difficult for adversaries to intercept or jam the communication.

In 1942, Lamarr and Antheil patented their invention, which laid the groundwork for spread-spectrum communication and frequency hopping. However, their work was initially overlooked and not fully recognized until later years when the technology became more widespread.

Hedy Lamarr’s contributions to technology were acknowledged later in her life, and she received several honors for her work. In 1997, she and George Antheil were honored with the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award, and in the same year, they were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Hedy Lamarr’s life and achievements highlight her versatility, transitioning from a successful career in the entertainment industry to making groundbreaking contributions in the field of technology. She passed away on January 19, 2000, in Casselberry, Florida, leaving a lasting legacy as both an actress and an inventor.