Mamie Van Doren filmography

[on what her life has been like] Sometimes, I'm misunderstood and it's hard to come by that. My life Show more [on what her life has been like] Sometimes, I'm misunderstood and it's hard to come by that. My life has been full of excitement. I've done pretty much what I wanted to do. I came from the Midwest, from South Dakota, and I came up the hard way. We lived on a farm; we didn't even have electricity or running water, if you know what I mean. People don't know what that life is like. Hide

Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield and I were so different from each other. I was doing very young movi Show more Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield and I were so different from each other. I was doing very young movies and Marilyn, who was ahead of me, was doing a lot of homogenized movies that weren't quite as wild as the ones I was doing. Jayne was more of a character of herself. I took my acting very seriously. I did over 40 films and naturally some of them were called B-movies because the woman was at the top of the billing. Women couldn't star in their own movies. Hide

Well, when I got my contract at Universal, Jayne Mansfield wasn't known yet. Marilyn Monroe was at 2 Show more Well, when I got my contract at Universal, Jayne Mansfield wasn't known yet. Marilyn Monroe was at 20th Century Fox. When I started at Universal, it was James Bacon who put the publicity out that my name was Mamie Van Doren and I was Universal's answer to Marilyn Monroe. That really launched my name. I took a bunch of sexy pictures, and then they put me in The All American (1953). My next picture was Yankee Pasha (1954) with Jeff Chandler, which was a very sexy role as a slave girl. If you do one movie after the other, and you're out there all the time, and out doing publicity and romancing the stars of the top studios, you become known. That is the way it was. Hide

[on her appearance in His Kind of Woman (1951)] If you blinked, you would miss me. I look barely old Show more [on her appearance in His Kind of Woman (1951)] If you blinked, you would miss me. I look barely old enough to drive. Hide

All sex symbols, all beautiful women are doomed - if they expect to keep the beauty outside forever. All sex symbols, all beautiful women are doomed - if they expect to keep the beauty outside forever.

[advice to people who want to follow her path] Never, never marry an actor - you will have two giant Show more [advice to people who want to follow her path] Never, never marry an actor - you will have two giant egos that will not fit in the same room; never trust a business manager - they will steal you blind; never give advice. Hide

I have been blessed with good genes. My parents lived well into their 80s, and had my father not smo Show more I have been blessed with good genes. My parents lived well into their 80s, and had my father not smoked, he would have likely lived into his 90s and beyond as his sisters did. Two of my mother's sisters lived into their 90s as well. We can't choose our genetic inheritance, but we can choose to do - and *not* do - certain things that damage our health. I have never smoked or been a drinker, outside of an occasional beer or glass of wine. I am a big believer in naps and I have always gotten plenty of sleep. If people stopped smoking and drinking and got more sleep, those three things would alone would increase their life spans. Hide

I truly believe that one of the reasons why I look and feel so well is because I've very few inhibit Show more I truly believe that one of the reasons why I look and feel so well is because I've very few inhibitions. I don't care about age. Life is too short to worry about what other people think. Hide

[on alcohol] If I find the glass full, I still love to have a sip. [on alcohol] If I find the glass full, I still love to have a sip.

I was star-struck by Clark Gable. Of course, in those days, he was considered the king of the movies Show more I was star-struck by Clark Gable. Of course, in those days, he was considered the king of the movies. He had Vivien Leigh and Lana Turner and all these beautiful women in his arms and I was fortunate enough to do Teacher's Pet (1958) with him. Well, I had a kissing scene with him, where he was holding me in his arms, and I nearly fainted. I think I was twenty-four, and he was in his mid-fifties, but it didn't matter to me, really. Hide

I never thought women were given choices. I was raised in South Dakota. My mom and dad were pretty w Show more I never thought women were given choices. I was raised in South Dakota. My mom and dad were pretty wild and they had me as kids. And I grew up around people who were very open about sex. When the war came out we moved to California and I took all the opportunities I could get. I never wanted to be a trophy wife. I wanted to make it on my own. I didn't want to depend on a man. Hide

The '50s studio system went by the wayside and then [independent films] became very popular. I think Show more The '50s studio system went by the wayside and then [independent films] became very popular. I think that had a lot to do with the movie industry being more independent and having more freedom to put on the screen what they wanted. That changed the movie industry, and that's where we are now. I think some of the actors today are excellent. We have a lot of good actors out there. The girls today are different-looking. They are taller and they are not as voluptuous. They have more muscles in their legs. Some guys like a lot of muscles on their women. I like muscles because I don't like flab. Hide

I don't wear panties anymore - this startles the Hollywood wolves so much they don't know what to pu Show more I don't wear panties anymore - this startles the Hollywood wolves so much they don't know what to pull at, so they leave me alone. Hide

Tony Curtis was wonderful. He and I hit it off very well and he became a personal friend of mine. Tony Curtis was wonderful. He and I hit it off very well and he became a personal friend of mine.

The '50s were very depressing for me. It was post-war days and everything was very ultra-conservativ Show more The '50s were very depressing for me. It was post-war days and everything was very ultra-conservative. Marilyn Monroe opened the door somewhat with her nude calendar. She was responsible for being able to bring out the glamour and the sex appeal that everybody was looking for. Sort of the Ingrid Bergman look. When Marilyn came out, it was great. I copied her before I became a name. But I got my own individual look, and then I saw her copying me. Hide

Every time I get a birthday, I always appreciate it. Most people don't get old. The odds are against Show more Every time I get a birthday, I always appreciate it. Most people don't get old. The odds are against you. And the discrimination towards anyone who's old is really bad. I never did that with Marlene Dietrich or Mae West. I had a considerable amount of respect for my elders. Hide

[on fourth husband Ross McClintock] A mistake. I'd refused to be an ornament for the studios, and I Show more [on fourth husband Ross McClintock] A mistake. I'd refused to be an ornament for the studios, and I was damned if I'd be one at a bunch of dull cocktail parties. I was in the process of divorcing him and all of a sudden this judge annulled our marriage. Annulled! I lived with that bastard for four months. If we'd been divorced, I would have received a great deal of money, but the old-boy network is very tight down here [in Orange County]. Hide

[2008] All the great sex symbols are dead. Jean Harlow is dead. Mae West is dead. Marlene Dietrich i Show more [2008] All the great sex symbols are dead. Jean Harlow is dead. Mae West is dead. Marlene Dietrich is dead. Marilyn Monroe is dead. And I'm not feeling too well myself. Hide

Marilyn Monroe once cautioned me not to fall in love with a politician because "when they fuck you, Show more Marilyn Monroe once cautioned me not to fall in love with a politician because "when they fuck you, they *really* fuck you". I wrote that in 'Playing the Field' and I still see no reason to believe otherwise. Politicians are motivated by power, money, and sex - not necessarily in that order. They may lie vehemently about how much they care for the welfare of their fellow citizens, but those three things are their entire motivation. It is easy to sound cynical when discussing politicians because they make it so. Just listen to the awful nonsense being uttered in Congress about gun control. Our representatives would gladly sell us and our children down the river for the profits of a bunch of gun manufacturers and the blessing of the NRA. Why? Could it be campaign donations? Hide

[her first impression of Howard Hughes] He was very craggy-looking. He had a lot of hair on his face Show more [her first impression of Howard Hughes] He was very craggy-looking. He had a lot of hair on his face. He had grown a beard. He had just had that terrible plane crash out in Beverly Hills that had burned him all over his body, and he was a little bit on the gruff side, I would say. Hide

I have never been a Marilyn Monroe wannabe. I have always been happy in my own skin! I have never been a Marilyn Monroe wannabe. I have always been happy in my own skin!

[on her lovers] So many of them were good! Then, there were the bad ones. I talked about Burt Reynol Show more [on her lovers] So many of them were good! Then, there were the bad ones. I talked about Burt Reynolds. He was the worst. But nobody cares about Burt Reynolds today. I had one guy, Steve Cochran, but no one probably knows him. He was Mae West's lover. He was very good and I didn't mind sharing a lover with Mae West. She had very good taste. I never experienced a lesbian encounter. I had a lot of chances. I turned down Marlene Dietrich, which was kind of a dumb thing to do. If given another chance, I probably wouldn't have turned her down. That was frowned upon back then, but I always thought that was bull. Hide

I admire Hillary Clinton, even with her faults. She has advanced the expectations of women the world Show more I admire Hillary Clinton, even with her faults. She has advanced the expectations of women the world over. I also admire Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, who courageously endured 20 years of house arrest at the hand of Burmese dictatorship, and Arundhati Roy, the brilliant novelist and political activist from India. Hide

I've never acted at my age and I never will. It's just the way I've always been. I've never acted at my age and I never will. It's just the way I've always been.

[on Marilyn Monroe] She was very vulnerable and very sweet, but there is always another side to peop Show more [on Marilyn Monroe] She was very vulnerable and very sweet, but there is always another side to people. I had never seen her other side. She had things the way she wanted it. Hide

[on touring with Bob Hope to entertain Vietnam War soldiers] That son of a bitch flew into Vietnam d Show more [on touring with Bob Hope to entertain Vietnam War soldiers] That son of a bitch flew into Vietnam during the day to do his shows and spent his nights in safety in Thailand, and made millions off the shows by selling them to television when he returned. Hide

[on her longevity] I've always taken care of my health - never been much of a drinker, never smoked Show more [on her longevity] I've always taken care of my health - never been much of a drinker, never smoked cigarettes, never done drugs much, except smoking occasional pot and that's been decades ago. I'm *not* an 80 year-old virgin, and good sex really does help. If you didn't have good sex, you might not live a long time, but it would sure seem like it. All that said, one of the interesting things about longevity, if one is a so-called celebrity, is that you are seldom the one hearing the clock ticking. Everyone else goes out of their way to watch the hands and never hesitates to let you know when one clicks to the next number. Hide

[on her diet and health advice] I don't really have many special foods. I like a plant-based diet, b Show more [on her diet and health advice] I don't really have many special foods. I like a plant-based diet, but occasionally I eat meat or fish. I have a protein shake most mornings and some yogurt and tea which seem to set me up for the day. Nutritionally, the most important thing for everyone is to keep your weight under control. Obesity is probably the single greatest health hazard we face today. We are coerced by corporate media into eating far more than we should, and then tempted by skinny-super models into nutty diets. My advice: just be sensible in *amount* that you eat. Hide

[on the period in the early 1960s when she was engaged to baseball star pitcher Bo Belinsky] It was Show more [on the period in the early 1960s when she was engaged to baseball star pitcher Bo Belinsky] It was a wild ride, but a lot of fun. Hide

I tried to stay ahead of everybody. I try to stay ahead of everybody today, too. I've got so many id Show more I tried to stay ahead of everybody. I try to stay ahead of everybody today, too. I've got so many ideas. There is so much you can do. Hide

I started very early. When I was living in the Midwest in Iowa I would go and see all the movies. I Show more I started very early. When I was living in the Midwest in Iowa I would go and see all the movies. I just loved the big silver screen with all those big actors, and that's when I decided to become an actress, or a "movie star". In those days it was always a "movie star". It was just kind of ingrained in me because I think I was just meant to do it. I think about myself in old photographs where I'm three years old, and I'm posing my leg over, and I never ever saw any pictures to make me do that. It just all came naturally. Then I came out to Hollywood and Howard Hughes discovered me in a beauty contest, and that's what sort of started me off. Hide

One who really surprised me was Henry Kissinger, a politician in Washington, D.C. I never expected t Show more One who really surprised me was Henry Kissinger, a politician in Washington, D.C. I never expected to be sitting in the White House and have him reach under the table and try to play with me or spin me around the President's chair. But if Henry hadn't had dental problems, I would have probably gone to bed with him because I thought he was very sexy, but that turned me off. Hide

[July 20, 2009] On this 40th anniversary of the first landing on the moon, my thoughts go to the rom Show more [July 20, 2009] On this 40th anniversary of the first landing on the moon, my thoughts go to the romantic adventurer, Buzz Aldrin. Buzz and I spent some memorable and erotic times together some decades ago, and he is often in my thoughts. After all, a man who could make it to the moon, could make it with me anytime. Hide

I've had hundreds of men, but I turned down more men than I dated. I've had hundreds of men, but I turned down more men than I dated.

[on how she stays looking young] I go to Pilates and I work out. I keep myself fit. I don't like to Show more [on how she stays looking young] I go to Pilates and I work out. I keep myself fit. I don't like to have just muscles. I try to exercise to keep my breasts firm and nice so they don't hang, because my breasts are large, so I like to keep them strong. Hide

I've married some people I shouldn't have, but haven't we all? I've married some people I shouldn't have, but haven't we all?

Sometimes I think I made a big mistake by not paying more attention to Prince Axel. He was looking f Show more Sometimes I think I made a big mistake by not paying more attention to Prince Axel. He was looking for a wife and genuinely cared for me. Well, he had the hots for me is more like it. I would have made a great princess. After all, I wasn't doing anything Grace Kelly wasn't doing at the time, and the princess bit really saved her reputation. Hide

At my age, having an orgasm is like having an occasional cocktail. At my age, having an orgasm is like having an occasional cocktail.

I believe many people exercise too strenuously today. Too much exercise is a prescription for injury Show more I believe many people exercise too strenuously today. Too much exercise is a prescription for injury, and the regimen is often short-lived. Better to do your exercise on a scale that you can maintain over the years. You will last longer. Hide

I studied really hard. But Hollywood never appreciated my talent. I studied really hard. But Hollywood never appreciated my talent.

Animal rights were not on anyone's agenda when I was growing up on the farm in Rowena. Animals were Show more Animal rights were not on anyone's agenda when I was growing up on the farm in Rowena. Animals were for working and eating. I was a lonely kid whose only friends were animals, so as you can imagine, I suffered with them. That stays with me today, making me an advocate for animal rights. Hide

I do feel that I owe my fans a "pretty" Mamie - sometimes. However, I don't necessarily owe anyone a Show more I do feel that I owe my fans a "pretty" Mamie - sometimes. However, I don't necessarily owe anyone a pretty Joanie Olander (Van Doren's real name). When I'm kicking around the neighborhood walking the dogs or splashing in the surf at the beach, my only obligation is to myself and the true inner me. Hide

[on places to have sex] Location never mattered much to me. If I had the urge to do someone in an el Show more [on places to have sex] Location never mattered much to me. If I had the urge to do someone in an elevator or a taxi or a swimming pool, that's where it happened. Hide

I came to Hollywood determined to follow in Jean Harlow's footsteps, but I was determined not to die Show more I came to Hollywood determined to follow in Jean Harlow's footsteps, but I was determined not to die young. My hope was to endure. And endure I have. Hide

There was a screenplay written for me called Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957), which I turned Show more There was a screenplay written for me called Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957), which I turned down because it was a satire on Marilyn Monroe and I didn't want to be compared to her anymore. Well, they got Jayne Mansfield, who was an unknown, and that made her famous. Well, Marilyn took off from 20th, and went with Arthur Miller, and married him. 20th didn't give her the money she wanted, so I don't blame her. Well, they signed Jayne and then she did a couple of movies [at 20th Century Fox], but that was about it. She did a lot of publicity though. She loved to do publicity. Hide

[on her career arc in the 1960s as opposed to the 1950s] Well, the Vietnam War came along, and as yo Show more [on her career arc in the 1960s as opposed to the 1950s] Well, the Vietnam War came along, and as you know, everybody started to burn their bras and did a lot of dope and let it all hang out. Young kids were dying and it was a time of a revolution. It was wild and LSD was running rampant. I sort of liked it. I still had my platinum hair, but I liked to wear it long and all curled up. So I grew my dark roots and of course, I didn't burn my bra because I never had a bra to burn in the first place. I never tried to stay in the '50s. Some of them did. They never wanted to let go. I did let go and I changed my hair and I changed everything about myself. I was able to do what I wanted to do then. Hide

[on ex-fiancé Jack Dempsey] He was a lousy lover. [on ex-fiancé Jack Dempsey] He was a lousy lover.

[on her breast measurement] I don't even want to say double D, because they're even much bigger than Show more [on her breast measurement] I don't even want to say double D, because they're even much bigger than that. Hide

There's a scene in The Aviator (2004) that depicts Howard Hughes' first meeting with Faith Domergue Show more There's a scene in The Aviator (2004) that depicts Howard Hughes' first meeting with Faith Domergue that comes very close to the scene in my book 'Playing the Field' describing my first meeting with him. He asks Faith how old she is. Answer: 15. He asked me the same thing. Answer: 16. He even asks if she lived with her parents and how nice it was that she lived at home. The only thing he didn't ask her in the movie was the main thing he asked me: "Are you a virgin?". Hide

My best asset is my brain. Without my brain, I don't think the rest of me would be too hot. My best asset is my brain. Without my brain, I don't think the rest of me would be too hot.

I have never been a successful star fucker or trophy wife. I have never been a successful star fucker or trophy wife.

Steve Cochran was the sexiest man I have ever known. We made two movies together (The Beat Generatio Show more Steve Cochran was the sexiest man I have ever known. We made two movies together (The Beat Generation (1959) and The Big Operator (1959)) and we were always hot for one another, slipping off for a quickie here and there, or meeting after a day's shooting. Sadly, Steve had a very dark and abusive side, which eventually made me decide not to see him again. He asked me one last time to go with him on his boat to Mexico where he was going to shoot a movie. When I turned him down, he recruited several other girls to go. Steve died of a heart attack on the way and drifted for days with a boat load of girls until the Coast Guard found them. Hide

Playboy as always been a positive experience for me. Hef [Hugh M. Hefner] and I have been friends fo Show more Playboy as always been a positive experience for me. Hef [Hugh M. Hefner] and I have been friends for many years. Hef was smart and perceptive enough to catch the wave of the sexual revolution in post-war America of the 1950s and ride it all the way to today. He created a legend and an iconic brand out of naked girls, one of which I am proud to have been. Hide

I was blessed with large breasts. Guys don't even know what a real breast looks like these days. My Show more I was blessed with large breasts. Guys don't even know what a real breast looks like these days. My breasts are still perky and really hot-looking. Hide

It is possible that blondes also prefer gentlemen. It is possible that blondes also prefer gentlemen.

I didn't feel like I was meant to be a nurse or a secretary. I didn't feel like I was meant to be a nurse or a secretary.

[on second husband Ray Anthony] I used to call him "Ray Agony". He just put me through hell. [on second husband Ray Anthony] I used to call him "Ray Agony". He just put me through hell.

There was a rumor at the studio that [Rock Hudson] was gay. Outside the studio, it was quite unknown Show more There was a rumor at the studio that [Rock Hudson] was gay. Outside the studio, it was quite unknown. The studio was like its own little country town. It was really quaint and everybody knew everybody. Rock Hudson was very sexy and good-looking and nobody really suspected anything like that. I didn't suspect anything before I got to the studio. Then, when the studio said that they wanted me to go on a date with him, I had just gotten my contract. Well, two weeks later, I'm dating Rock Hudson and, that in itself was a shock to me. He picked me up at my parents' place in the valley, and we went to the Golden Globe Awards. I was so nervous. Then we sat with Joan Crawford. Marilyn Monroe was prancing around in her golden lamé dress, and Joan was very jealous of her. Joan was my mother's favorite [actress]. She was drunk at [the awards ceremony], but I still loved her. Hide

I was a feminist. I never was a professional wife. I never married men for money. I really worked ha Show more I was a feminist. I never was a professional wife. I never married men for money. I really worked hard, and that was just the way it was. Hide

Facebook changed forever the way I interact with fans. It is immediate and often rewarding. I am ble Show more Facebook changed forever the way I interact with fans. It is immediate and often rewarding. I am blessed with the nicest fans in the world. The best thing about Facebook is the extraordinary people I am introduced to from all over the world. The worst thing about Facebook is that it is very addictive. I can spend hours there. Hide

The sexiest men I ever met were Steve Cochran and Steve McQueen. They both possessed a kind of reckl Show more The sexiest men I ever met were Steve Cochran and Steve McQueen. They both possessed a kind of reckless energy that I found, er, arousing. They were also very difficult to get along with in their own ways, but one makes allowances for a good bonk. Hide

I always think of Canada as being the U.S.'s enlightened Zen cousin. You have sensible gun laws, sen Show more I always think of Canada as being the U.S.'s enlightened Zen cousin. You have sensible gun laws, sensible national health care, and you don't go around bombing everyone if they don't agree with you. I have worked all over Canada: Toronto at the Royal York following Deitrich, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary. Once I was the Queen of the Calgary Stampede, and I was singing when a cowboy rode his horse up on stage to dance with me. Where else could you have that much fun? Hide

I have a couple of favorite roles: Penny Lowe in Untamed Youth (1957) and Peggy DeFore in Teacher's Show more I have a couple of favorite roles: Penny Lowe in Untamed Youth (1957) and Peggy DeFore in Teacher's Pet (1958). It didn't hurt playing opposite Clark Gable. One of my favorite movies is Born Reckless (1958), which I just saw for the first time on TCM's retrospective of my movies. Hide

[on her fling with Steve Cochran while married to Ray Anthony] Steve and I launched into an affair t Show more [on her fling with Steve Cochran while married to Ray Anthony] Steve and I launched into an affair that had the cast and crew of The Beat Generation (1959) whispering behind their hands. No sooner would we finish a scene than we would disappear into my dressing-room for a quick fuck while they set up the next shot. When Ray opened the door without knocking, he found me sitting astride Steve having sex in a chair. Hide

I've had cosmetic surgery, but I've only done it a couple of times. I've had a facelift, but nothing Show more I've had cosmetic surgery, but I've only done it a couple of times. I've had a facelift, but nothing else. No Botox or implants or collagen. Nothing. What I think happens is that actresses and actors go in to see the doctors, and the doctors say something will make them look better, and they believe it. They do the operation, but what happens is that it's too much. They put the cheekbones too high, and they look like they have little pins in their face for eyes, and they all have that same look. When I go to Hollywood, I see people but don't recognize them, and that's not good. They want to look young, and age has always been the "thing" in Hollywood. It always has been and always will be. Everybody is so age-conscious. Hide

Ryan Gosling is really hot. I like him. I would be in any shot he fucking wants me in. Ryan Gosling is really hot. I like him. I would be in any shot he fucking wants me in.

I'm very grateful that I'm still here. It's hard to talk about people who have died so young. I was Show more I'm very grateful that I'm still here. It's hard to talk about people who have died so young. I was at the Hilton not long ago and I went to the ladies' room and there was a picture of Marilyn Monroe hanging there. Here I am, looking at something that happened fifty years ago and I'm so grateful to still be here to see everything that has happened. It's amazing that I was gifted to be the one that was left. There is a reason for it, and I'm trying to do all the things that I can. Pave the way for other women and to help them. The last book that I had written was called 'Playing the Field', and in those days you'd call it a "kiss and tell" book. Now I've changed completely. My political views have changed. I've become a different person. Hide

Sex symbols defy definition. I have often tried to define it myself. A sex symbol becomes a code for Show more Sex symbols defy definition. I have often tried to define it myself. A sex symbol becomes a code for everyone's erotic fantasy. These codes are very perishable in popular culture. For every Jean Harlow, Mae West, or Marilyn Monroe, there are scores of girls - and boys - who never made the cut. If a sex symbol can survive more than a few years, they are very powerful. I am flattered to still be thought of in such a way. Hide

[on her parents] They were huge influences - sometimes negative but mostly positive. They were just Show more [on her parents] They were huge influences - sometimes negative but mostly positive. They were just kids themselves when I was born and we grew up together. They hadn't really bargained for having a baby so soon after they got together in one Sunday afternoon after church. They loved adventure - fast cars, midget auto races, motorcycles, hard drinking. They were my Bonnie and Clyde. Hide

Pamela Anderson is gorgeous. We did a layout together for Vanity Fair and we had great fun. She is h Show more Pamela Anderson is gorgeous. We did a layout together for Vanity Fair and we had great fun. She is honest, funny, and unpretentious. Ryan Gosling and Daniel Craig are two guys that I like to watch. Unfortunately, there are no Clark Gables, Cary Grants, or Susan Haywards anymore because the studio system no longer exists that groomed and promoted them. Nothing remains the same. The universe revolves whether or not we like it, so you might as well smile. Hide

I think a lot of beauty is always from within. When a woman is beautiful, she radiates the moment sh Show more I think a lot of beauty is always from within. When a woman is beautiful, she radiates the moment she walks in the room. There is almost a light around her. There are very few women who have that. Hide