From innocent lingerie modeling to fetish and S&M photoshoots, pinup girls have left an indelible mark on 20th-century America. In this exploration, we delve into the lives of four iconic pinup girls who not only made jaws drop but also shattered societal norms.
Bettie Page: The Queen of Pinups
Often hailed as “the queen of pinups,” Bettie Page’s impact on the genre is immeasurable. Born on April 22, 1923, in Nashville, Tennessee, Page’s journey to pinup stardom was marked by resilience and talent. Despite a challenging childhood that included frequent relocations, parental divorce, and a year in an orphanage, Page excelled in high school, graduating second in her class. Later, she graduated from Peabody College, a part of Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Page’s distinctive look, featuring blunt black bangs and an openly expressed sexuality, became an inspiration for countless pinup models. Her career not only contributed to the war effort during World War II but also transcended the era, leaving an indelible mark on the pinup legacy. Bettie Page’s story is one of triumph over adversity, proving that even in the face of hardship, one can become an iconic figure in American pop culture.
Betty Grable: The Girl with Million-Dollar Legs
Betty Grable, born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, became one of the most celebrated pinup girls of the World War II era. Known as the “girl with the million-dollar legs,” Grable’s journey to pinup stardom began with a stereotypical “showbiz mom” who pushed her into Hollywood at just 13 years old. Despite starting with small roles, Grable’s popularity soared, making her the highest-paid star in Hollywood in the late 1940s. With estimated earnings of $300,000 per year, Grable’s iconic swimsuit photo taken in 1943, during her pregnancy, became a sensation among American soldiers and even caught the attention of German and Japanese soldiers.
Veronica Lake: The Starlet with “Peekaboo” Charm
Veronica Lake, born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman on November 14, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, was another influential pinup model of the 1940s. Encouraged by her mother to pursue show business, Lake’s journey started with enrollment at the Bliss Hayden School of Acting in Beverly Hills after completing high school. Standing at just 4’11”, Lake defied traditional modeling standards but became one of the most famous pinup models of the era, capturing the hearts of GIs during World War II.
It didn’t take long for Lake to secure movie roles, showcasing not only her acting talent but also her trademark “peekaboo” hairstyle. Lake’s contributions to the war effort included a nationwide tour to sell war bonds and a change in her hairstyle to inspire other women working in factories. Despite her success, Lake faced challenges in the later years of her career, with speculation about her personality and even a rumored diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia by her mother. Lake’s story reflects the complexity of fame and the changing fortunes of Hollywood royalty.
Jayne Mansfield
Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Jayne Mansfield’s journey from a relatively happy childhood to Hollywood stardom was marked by determination and versatility. Married at the young age of 17, Mansfield convinced her husband to move to Hollywood as she aspired to become a famous actress. Despite struggles in her marriage and early attempts to break into showbiz, Mansfield eventually became a star, dabbling in film, television, and stage. Her persona, often described as a naughtier version of Marilyn Monroe, sparked controversy, with Monroe herself expressing disdain for Mansfield’s imitation.
Mansfield’s trajectory as a pinup girl and entertainment personality positioned her among the ranks of successful Hollywood figures. However, her journey was not without challenges, including a strained first marriage and the tragic death of her second husband, Richard Dawson. Mansfield’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and ambition in the entertainment industry.
Diana Dors: Britain’s Answer to Marilyn Monroe
Born Diana Fluck on October 23, 1931, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, Diana Dors emerged as a pinup model with aspirations of reaching the heights of Hollywood. Displaying her career ambitions early on, Dors, at the age of nine, declared in a school essay, “I am going to be a film star, with a swimming pool and a cream telephone.” Despite modeling at an age considered early for the industry, Dors aimed to leverage her pinup status to break into the world of film.
Training at the Royal Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Dors became known as Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe. Her film debut in 1947 marked the beginning of a career that blended appeal with comedic roles. Although her filmography included successful movies like “A Kid for Two Farthings” and “Yield to the Night,” Dors faced personal challenges, including the death of her first husband, Dennis Hamilton.
Marilyn Monroe: From Pinup Model to Icon
Norma Jeane Mortenson, later known as Marilyn Monroe, was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles. Monroe’s journey to becoming one of the most iconic stars of all time was marked by a tumultuous childhood. Raised in foster homes and orphanages, Monroe’s early marriage at 16 aimed to avoid the orphanage, leading to a chance discovery by a photographer during World War II. By 1946, Monroe had divorced her first husband and signed a film contract with 20th Century Fox.
Monroe’s transformation from a pinup model with brown hair to a blonde bombshell marked a pivotal point in her career. Despite facing unemployment, Monroe’s decision to pose for nude photos for financial reasons, emphasizing her desperation, did not hinder her rise to stardom. From premier pinup model to a global sensation, Monroe’s career was marked by the trauma of her youth, leading to struggles with drugs and alcohol. Her death in 1962 at the age of 36 remains a topic of debate, raising questions about whether it was suicide or murder.
Jane Russell: The Sensational Starlet
Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell, born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota, embarked on a journey from a receptionist in a chiropodist’s office to Hollywood stardom. Discovered by movie producer Howard Hughes, Russell’s debut in the controversial film “The Outlaw” led to pinup girl photoshoots that resonated with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Voted “the girl we’d like to have waiting for us in every port” in a 1943 poll, Russell’s voluptuous and risqué images emphasized her chest, becoming a symbol of desire.
While Russell faced criticisms for the provocative nature of her photos, she sought to prove her talents beyond her physical appearance. Despite signing a seven-year deal with Hughes, Russell’s career expanded beyond pinup modeling, earning acclaim as an actress and singer. Roles like the one in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” alongside Marilyn Monroe showcased her versatility. Russell’s life took a turn towards television, stage performances, and nightclubs as she navigated Hollywood’s challenges. A born-again Christian, she believed her prior status as a symbol didn’t conflict with her faith, leaving behind a legacy that transcended pinup glamour.
