Quick Wiki
- Full Name Mary Jane "Mae" West
- Birth Date August 17, 1893,
- Birth Date Aug 17, 1893
- Age 131 Years, 7 Months
- Death Date 1980-11-22
- Age At Death 87
- Place Of Death Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Birthplace Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Occupation Actress, singer, comedian, screen writer, playwright
- Parents Matilda Delker, John Patrick West
Mae West | Biography
Mae West, born Mary Jane West, became a Hollywood sensation in her late 30s, noted for her daring roles and memorable quotes. Her career was marked by both success and controversy, as she navigated the cultural mores of her time.
Who is Mae West?
Mae West, born Mary Jane West on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, became an iconic figure in American entertainment, celebrated for her bold and brash onscreen persona. She was not just a talented actress but also a playwright, screenwriter, and director, breaking barriers with her candid portrayal of female sexuality during a time when such topics were often taboo. Her career took off in her late 30s, defying societal expectations of age, and she quickly became known for her sharp wit and innuendo-laden dialogue, cementing her legacy in Hollywood history.
West's early years were marked by her mother’s influence and her own burgeoning talent in vaudeville, where she began performing at the age of 14. She soon became a sensation on stage, known for rewriting scripts to suit her unique style. Her Broadway play "Sex" in 1926 earned her both acclaim and controversy, leading to her brief incarceration for moral charges. Despite the backlash, she thrived, blending her theatrical talents with her film career when she transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1930s, headlining hits like "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel," drawing audiences and challenging conventions in the process.
Early Life and Education
Mae West, born Mary Jane West on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, showcased her flair for performance from a remarkably young age. Raised in a household that blended creativity and toughness, her mother, Matilda, an aspiring actress and garment worker, recognized Mae's burgeoning talent early on. West's father, John "Battlin' Jack" West, an amateur prizefighter, contributed to her colorful upbringing, but it was her mother who fostered her interest in the performing arts. Encouraged to mimic family members and entertain friends, West learned the art of commanding attention, which would serve her well in her future career.
Enrolled in dance school at age seven, West began performing under the stage name "Baby May" at local burlesque theaters. Despite her youth, she thrived in the predominantly male environment, honing her performance skills during her early vaudeville days. By 14, she had secured her first professional job, performing in the Hal Claredon Stock Company. Under her mother's management, West’s early act was a playful parody of Victorian innocence infused with sexual undertones, setting the stage for her later, more daring performances. Her relentless ambition during these formative years laid a strong foundation for her groundbreaking career in entertainment.
Professional Vaudeville Career starting at age 14
At the age of 14, Mae West embarked on her professional career in Vaudeville, joining the Hal Claredon Stock Company in 1907. Her mother, Matilda West, played a crucial role in her early career by crafting costumes, managing bookings, and guiding her rehearsals. West's performances were characterized by a blend of Victorian charm and seductive wit, often featuring her impersonation of adult stars wrapped in playful innocence. This unique combination quickly garnered attention, allowing her to thrive on stage as she showcased her talent for singing and dancing with an added flair that hinted at her later bold persona.
By the time she was 17, West had further solidified her status in the entertainment world, often performing in burlesque shows before predominantly male audiences. These environments, considered scandalous for someone so young, allowed her to hone her skills and develop a confident stage presence. Her partnership with fellow performer Frank Wallace, which began in 1909, was pivotal in her creative journey. Despite their tumultuous relationship and eventual secret marriage, West's refusal to be constrained by societal norms paved the way for her provocative style that would captivate audiences for decades to come.
Playwriting and Controversy
In 1926, Mae West made a significant mark on Broadway with her groundbreaking play, , which she wrote, produced, and directed. The production achieved commercial success but faced harsh criticism from theater critics due to its explicit sexual content. The backlash escalated when city officials raided the show, leading to West's arrest for obscenity. Despite her conviction and a short jail sentence, West's notoriety only heightened her fame, further establishing her as a fearless provocateur in the theatrical world. This incident solidified her reputation and underscored her willingness to challenge societal norms regarding sexuality and morality.
Following the success of , West continued to push boundaries with her writing, creating provocative works such as , which addressed issues of homosexuality. Although the play garnered interest in cities like Connecticut and Paterson, New Jersey, it faced resistance when slated for Broadway. The Society for the Prevention of Vice threatened to shut the play down, reflecting the pervasive censorship of the era. Instead of submitting to pressure, West resolved to maintain her creative vision, ensuring that her themes of desire and sexuality remained forefront in the discourse of her time. Her audacity in addressing taboo subjects contributed significantly to her legacy as a pioneer of free expression in theater.
Transition to Hollywood and Major Success
Mae West made a significant transition to Hollywood in the early 1930s, which marked the beginning of her major success on the silver screen. At 38 years old, she capitalized on the allure of her persona in a film industry that often overlooked women of her age. West's first notable film was "Night After Night" in 1932, where she famously rewrote her dialogue to emphasize her comedic style. However, it was her dynamic portrayal of the character "Lady Lou" in the 1933 film "She Done Him Wrong" that catapulted her to stardom, earning her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Picture and solidifying her status as a box office draw.
West's unique combination of humor and sexuality resonated with audiences, and her films caught the attention of Hollywood executives, which ultimately saved Paramount Pictures from bankruptcy. Her on-screen charisma melted away the industry's age biases, and she quickly became one of the highest-grossing stars in the United States. The film "I'm No Angel" further solidified her place in Hollywood, providing her considerable financial success. West's ability to blend wit with risqué themes not only captured the imagination of the audience but also garnered criticism from moral conservatives, setting the stage for her provocative legacy that continues to be celebrated today.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Mae West's personal life, marked by her vibrant career, also included a significant yet complicated marriage. She married Frank Wallace on April 11, 1911, when she was just 17 years old, lying about her age to secure the union. The marriage was kept a secret from the public and her parents for many years. Despite the legal bond, West and Wallace did not remain together as a couple, and she later claimed they had never lived as husband and wife. They eventually divorced in 1920, but the revelations about their marriage surfaced only in 1935, drawing public attention to her private life.
West had no children during her lifetime. Instead, her focus remained on her flourishing career in entertainment. Though several romantic relationships marked her life, none culminated in marriage or family. Her unique persona, blending traditional femininity with assertive sexuality, painted her more as an iconic figure in Hollywood rather than a typical homemaker. West's relationships were often complex, and she navigated both love and independence with the same boldness that characterized her career, making her an enduring symbol of a woman who carved her own path in a male-dominated industry.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary in the 1930s
Mae West experienced a meteoric rise in her career during the 1930s, a decade that solidified her status as a Hollywood icon and a formidable box office draw. After transitioning from Broadway to film with Paramount Pictures, she quickly became one of the highest-paid entertainers in the United States. By 1935, West was the second-highest paid person in America, only surpassed by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Her pay for films soared, with reports suggesting she earned upwards of $400,000 per film at the height of her career, an astounding sum during that era.
Her films, such as "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel," not only enjoyed immense popularity but also contributed significantly to her financial success. Both films performed exceptionally well at the box office, with "She Done Him Wrong" reportedly saving Paramount Pictures from bankruptcy. West's immense financial success was a testament to her unique ability to blend wit, charm, and unapologetic sexuality, establishing her as a pioneer in the film industry. Despite the challenges posed by the Hays Code and moral outrage, Mae West's strategic approach to her image and creative control allowed her to flourish economically during this decadent decade.
