Jayne Mansfield was an American actress who is best known for her roles in movies like The Girl Can’t Help It, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, and Single Room Furnished.
Personal and Family Life
Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, she was the only child of Vera and Herbert Palmer. After her father’s death when she was three, her mother remarried, and they moved to Texas. Jayne showed early talent in music and attended the University of Dallas, where she was involved in theater. At 16, she married Paul Mansfield, and they had a daughter named Jayne Marie before divorcing.
Career Highlights
Jayne Mansfield began her acting career with minor roles, but she gained recognition in Hollywood for her striking looks. She appeared in several films during the 1950s and 1960s, often typecast as the “dumb blonde.” Despite her talent, she struggled to land significant roles like those of her contemporaries. As her career declined, she took on smaller projects and even performed in nightclubs.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Mansfield’s life ended in a car accident on June 29, 1967, at the age of 34. The crash occurred near Slidell, Louisiana, when the car she was in collided with a trailer truck. Her funeral attracted many mourners, and her legacy continues to influence pop culture, as she remains a well-known figure from the 1950s and 1960s.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Guide for the Married Man | 1967-05-25 | Technical Adviser (Girl with Harold) |
| The Burglar | 1957-06-01 | Gladden |
| The Girl Can’t Help It | 1956-12-01 | Jerri Jordan |
| Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? | 1957-07-29 | Rita Marlowe |
| Single Room Furnished | 1968-08-21 | Johnnie / Mae / Eileen |