Virginia Mayo (November 30, 1920 – January 17, 2005). Best known for the films: The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) and White Heat (1949).
After Mayo signed a contract with Samuel Goldwyn she performed in several of Goldwyn's movies. With Danny Kaye in the films, Wonder Man (1945), The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947).
Mayo was known as a "voluptuous beauty". It was said that she "looked like a pinup painting come to life," and she played just such a role in the film comedy, The Girl from Jones Beach (1949).
In 1949's White Heat she took on the role as the treacherous "Verna Jarrett", opposite James Cagney. She was also cast against type as a gold digger in, The Best Years of Our Lives. Her film career continued through the 1950s and 1960s, frequently in B-movie westerns and adventure films. While she also appeared in musicals, Mayo's singing voice was always dubbed.
Virginia and her husband, actor Michael O'Shea (of Jack London film fame) co-starred in the film, Tunnel of Love, Fiorello, and George Washington Slept Here. She has also starred in Cactus Flower, How the Other Half Loves, and the musical comedy, Good News.
Virginia was also in Up in Arms, Danny Kaye's first feature film. She's only an uncredited background character, but is distinctly visible in several shots. I think I like her best in Captain Horatio Hornblower with Gregory Peck.
ReplyDeleteEmm, I just watched the cute, little comedy, The Girl from Jones Beach (1949), with Ronald Reagan. I do not know if I would ever watch it again.. but, I did enjoy it. Thank you for the movie suggestions: Up in Arms and Captain Horatio Hornblower. They both sound like they would be good movies to watch.
ReplyDeleteGreat birthday tribute Dawn. I love Virginia Mayo.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Mayo was a very good Hollywood artist, beautifull face, whole body and leggs perfect. Most of the people that saw her movies became fans of her. We feel so sorry that her life riched an end. We hope she sleeps in peace for all the entretaiment she gave to us.
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