Mae West, born Mary Jean West on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, is remembered as one of the most iconic and controversial figures in American entertainment. A trailblazer in the realms of theater, film, and popular culture, West became a symbol of unapologetic sensuality, wit, and independence at a time when such traits were rarely celebrated in women. Her career, spanning several decades, was marked by groundbreaking performances, legal battles over censorship, and a lasting influence on both Hollywood and the broader cultural landscape.
Early Life and Introduction to Show Business
Mae West was born into a working-class family in Brooklyn, New York. Her father was a prizefighter and livery stable owner, while her mother was a former fashion model. From a young age, West was encouraged by her mother to pursue a career in the performing arts. She began her journey into show business at the tender age of five, performing in local vaudeville shows. By the time she was a teenager, West had become a regular on the vaudeville circuit, known for her comedic timing and stage presence.
Vaudeville, a popular form of entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was where West honed her craft. Her early exposure to the world of show business gave her a deep understanding of the industry and a sharp sense of humor that would define her career. As she matured, West’s performances became more daring, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in entertainment.
Breakthrough in Theater: The Birth of a Star
West’s big break came in the 1920s when she transitioned from vaudeville to the Broadway stage. In 1926, she wrote, produced, and starred in the play Sex, a bold and provocative production that shocked audiences and critics alike. The play’s explicit content led to West’s arrest on charges of “corrupting the morals of youth,” and she was sentenced to ten days in jail. Far from damaging her career, the scandal only increased her notoriety, making her a household name and solidifying her image as a fearless provocateur.
Following Sex, West continued to write and star in a series of successful plays, including The Drag (1927), which tackled the then-taboo subject of homosexuality, and Diamond Lil (1928), a play that would later be adapted into one of her most famous films. These productions not only showcased West’s talent as a writer and performer but also her willingness to challenge societal norms and censorship.
West’s ability to blend humor with social commentary set her apart from her contemporaries. Her plays often featured strong, sexually liberated female characters who defied traditional gender roles, a reflection of West’s own personality and beliefs. This defiance of convention would become a hallmark of her career, both on stage and on screen.
Hollywood Success: The Transition to Film
In the early 1930s, Mae West made the transition to Hollywood, where she quickly became one of the most sought-after stars of the era. Her film debut came in 1932 with Night After Night, where she was given the opportunity to rewrite her lines. West’s wit and charm stole the show, and she was soon cast in leading roles.
One of her most famous films, She Done Him Wrong (1933), was an adaptation of her Broadway play Diamond Lil. In this film, West played the role of Lady Lou, a saloon singer with a quick wit and a heart of gold. The film was a major success, both critically and commercially, and it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. She Done Him Wrong also featured a young Cary Grant, whom West famously invited to “come up and see me sometime,” a line that has since become one of the most iconic quotes in cinema history.
West followed up with another hit, I’m No Angel (1933), which solidified her status as a top box-office draw. Her films were known for their risqué humor, double entendres, and strong female characters who were unapologetically in control of their own destinies. This was a refreshing departure from the more demure and submissive roles that were typically offered to women at the time.
However, West’s success was not without controversy. Her films were frequently targeted by censors, particularly as the Hollywood Production Code, which sought to regulate the content of movies, became more strictly enforced in the mid-1930s. Despite these challenges, West managed to maintain her popularity and continued to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema.
The 1940s and 1950s: Continued Influence and Evolution
As the 1940s approached, Mae West’s career in film began to wane due to the increasing pressure from censors and the changing tastes of the movie-going public. Nevertheless, she remained a significant figure in entertainment. In 1943, she appeared in The Heat’s On, but after this film, she decided to step away from Hollywood, dissatisfied with the constraints placed on her creative expression.
During the 1950s, West returned to the stage, where she once again found success. She revived her play Diamond Lil on Broadway in 1951, proving that she still had the ability to draw large audiences. West also explored other creative avenues, including writing. In 1959, she published her autobiography, Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It, a title that reflects her famous quip, “When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
Despite her reduced presence in film, West’s influence on popular culture remained strong. Her larger-than-life persona, sharp wit, and trailblazing roles continued to inspire future generations of performers and filmmakers. West was a pioneer in portraying women as sexually empowered and in control, a theme that would resonate in the feminist movements of the 1960s and beyond.
Late Career and Final Appearances
In the 1970s, after a hiatus of nearly 30 years, Mae West made a return to the big screen. At the age of 77, she starred in Myra Breckinridge (1970), a satirical film based on Gore Vidal’s novel of the same name. Although the film was panned by critics and considered a box-office failure, West’s performance was noted for its camp appeal and her ability to still command attention despite her age.
Her final film role came in 1978 with Sextette, a comedy in which she played a glamorous and newlywed actress dealing with the advances of several former lovers. The film featured an ensemble cast that included Timothy Dalton, Tony Curtis, and Dom DeLuise. While Sextette was not a critical success, it was a testament to West’s enduring appeal and her willingness to continue working in an industry that often discards its aging stars.
West’s return to the screen in her later years demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her craft. Even as Hollywood’s golden age faded and new generations of stars emerged, West remained a figure of fascination and admiration.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Mae West’s legacy is vast and multifaceted. She was not just a film star; she was a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond the silver screen. West challenged societal norms with her unapologetic embrace of sexuality and her portrayal of women who were confident, witty, and in control of their lives. Her work paved the way for future generations of actresses and comedians who sought to break free from the constraints of traditional gender roles.
West’s impact on popular culture can be seen in various forms. Salvador Dalí, the famous surrealist artist, created the “Mae West Lips Sofa,” inspired by her distinctive lips. Her image was also immortalized on the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Additionally, during World War II, RAF pilots nicknamed their inflatable life vests “Mae Wests” due to the way they accentuated the chest, a nod to West’s famously curvaceous figure.
In recognition of her contributions to entertainment, Mae West received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her films continue to be studied and appreciated for their wit, charm, and boldness.
Conclusion
Mae West’s life and career were a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to being true to herself. From her early days on the vaudeville stage to her iconic roles in Hollywood, West left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her legacy as a trailblazer who defied convention and empowered women to embrace their strength and sexuality continues to resonate today.
Mae West passed away on November 22, 1980, at the age of 87, but her influence endures. She remains a symbol of independence, wit, and the power of self-expression. As an actress, writer, and cultural icon, Mae West’s contributions to the arts and her impact on society will be remembered for generations to come.
