Jayne Mansfield
- Born:
- Vera Jayne Palmer, April 19, 1933, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- June 29, 1967, near Slidell, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Model, Singer, Nightclub Entertainer
Early Life and Education
- Born Vera Jayne Palmer; later legally changed name to Jayne Mansfield.
- Showed early aptitude for performing arts, participating in school plays and talent shows.
- Attended Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas.
- Briefly attended Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin, studying drama.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career as a model and beauty queen.
- Gained attention for her appearances in Playboy magazine, being named "Playmate of the Month" in February 1955.
- Signed a contract with Warner Bros. in 1954.
- Achieved significant success in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s, often cast in roles that emphasized her blonde bombshell image.
- Starred in several successful films, showcasing her comedic timing and on-screen presence.
- Also performed on stage, including a successful run on Broadway in "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?".
- Ventured into nightclub entertainment, performing singing and dancing acts.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Pete Kelly's Blues | Cigarette Girl |
| 1956 | The Girl Can't Help It | Jerri Jordan |
| 1957 | Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? | Rita Marlowe |
| 1957 | Kiss Them for Me | Alice Kratzner |
| 1960 | The Challenge | Linette |
Discography (Selected)
- Jayne Mansfield Shakespeare (1964) - Spoken word album.
- "That Makes It" / "As the Clouds Drift By" (1967) - Single.
Legacy and Impact
Jayne Mansfield became a prominent figure in popular culture, embodying the image of a glamorous and provocative blonde bombshell during the mid-20th century. While this `jayne mansfield biography` highlights her acting, modeling, and singing pursuits, it's important to note that her career was tragically cut short by her untimely death in a car accident. Her influence continues to be seen in subsequent portrayals of similar character types and in discussions about the objectification of women in Hollywood.