While many Hollywood stars have been associated with espionage, the most famous and well-documented case is that of Hedy Lamarr.
Known for her stunning beauty and glamorous roles in films like Samson and Delilah and Come Live With Me, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor. During World War II, she and composer George Antheil co-developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication system to help the US Navy protect torpedoes from enemy jamming. This groundbreaking invention laid the foundation for modern wireless communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Lamarr's espionage activities were not as dramatic as those depicted in films, but her contribution to the war effort through her invention was significant. Though often overlooked in discussions of her career, Lamarr's legacy as a spy is an important reminder of the many ways individuals can contribute to national security.
