MAE WEST
1893-1980
I've been in more laps than a napkin- Mae West
She was sassy, brassy and hot. She was one of the original boss ladies, and her name was Mae West. Known for her risque' double entendres, West was a household name on theVaudeville circut and on stage before heading to Hollywood to become a comedienne, actress and writer in the motion picture industry. One of the more controversial movie stars of her day, West encountered many problems including censorship. which led to her later being arrested. Her first starring role on Broadway was in a play she titled Sex, which she also wrote, produced, and directed. The show did well financially though the production did not go over well with city officials and the theater was later raided and West with the entire cast was put under arrest.
April 19, 1927 she was convicted on morals charges and sentenced to ten days for "corrupting the morals of youth". While incarcerated on Welfare Island (now known as Roosevelt Island), she dined with the warden and his wife and told reporters that she wore her silk underpants while serving time. Showing that even while doing time, not being sexy was not an option.
She was fiercely independent and lived her life as she wanted. She dated boxing champion William Jones, nicknamed Gorilla Jones. When the management at her apartment building discriminated against the African-American boxer and barred his entry, West solved the problem by buying the building. Until the day she died she was loved and cherished by her fans. Although I am a little more conservative in my views on sexuality, I admire her courage in speaking her mind on the matter and because she was willing to to be arrested to get the public to loosen up a little, she paved the way for others like Marylin Monroe, Betty Paige, and Jane Mansfield and even Madonna to have the freedom be sexy and sassy. She went to jail so they wouldn't have to. Ms. West I salute you Ms.Di'vicon of the month.
I wear my clothes tight enough to show I am a woman,
but loose enough to show I'm a lady
- Mae West
