Mae West - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | August 18, 1893 |
|---|---|
| Died | November 22, 1980 (age 87) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Chinese Zodiac | Snake |
| Generation | Lost Generation |
| Known For | Trailblazing performances on stage and screen, pioneering sexual frankness in her work, and popularizing witty double entendres. |
Intro
Mae West was an American actress, singer, playwright, and sex symbol known for her bold persona, double entendres, and bawdy comedy. She pushed the boundaries of censorship during the early 20th century, becoming one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history.
Early Life & Background
Mae West was born Mary Jane West in Brooklyn, New York in 1893. She was the daughter of Matilda Doelger, a garment worker and aspiring actress, and John Patrick West, a prizefighter and later a special police officer. West demonstrated a flair for performing at a young age, often participating in amateur talent shows and vaudeville acts in her teenage years.
Career Highlights
- Rose to fame with her provocative Broadway play 'Sex' in 1926, which she wrote, produced, and starred in.
- Achieved major Hollywood stardom in the 1930s with films like 'She Done Him Wrong' (1933) and 'I'm No Angel' (1933), both which were huge box office hits and solidified her screen persona.
- Known for her clever, risqué dialogue and strong-willed female characters, influencing the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code.
- Remained a prominent figure in entertainment well into her later years, appearing in films, nightclubs, and on radio and television.
Trivia
- Famous for quips like 'Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?'
- Her popularity helped rescue Paramount Pictures from bankruptcy during the Great Depression.
- She was a sex symbol well into her seventies and became an icon for her unapologetic sexuality.
- She wrote, produced, and starred in many of her own stage plays.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Mae West born?
Mae West was born the 18 August 1893.
Where is Mae West from?
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA.
On Her Birth-Day
About August 18th, 1893, in brief:
- Day of the week: August 18th, 1893 was a Friday
- Zodiac Sign: Leo (in western zodiac), Snake (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing crescent