Given by Dec 25 2008
Bettie Page
On December 11, 2008 the iconic pin up model Bettie Page passed away. Page had been in ill health for awhile before suffering a heart attack on December 4, 2008 from which she never regained consciousness. Bettie Page was 85 when she died.This famous Tennessee native was born in Nashville on April 22, 1923. The second of six children, “Betty” (as spelled on her birth certificate) had a very difficult life. Her family was very poor and the children often had to be placed in orphanages. She was largely ignored by her mother and repeatedly molested by her father. Despite her awful childhood, she realized the importance of education and creativity. She became an excellent student and even had the opportunity to attend Vanderbilt University. Life however interfered and Page attended Peabody College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1944. Because of her striking beauty, Page had a difficult time being effective as an educator.
In 1945 Page had a screentest with 20th Century Fox. The screentest went badly. The modeling career began in New York in the mid to late 1940’s. Within ten year’s Page had become one of the most recognized faces (and body) in the world. Her iconic photos epitomized the 1950’s pin up ideal. Other of her photos, especially the bondage and dominatrix photos were trailblazing in the presentation of that subject matter. Page was a pivotal figure in the sexual revolution.
Page disappeared from public view in 1958. It was later revealed that her second failed marriage had been the impetus for her fleeing to Florida and becoming a born again Christian. Page underwent many dark times in her life including being institutionalized after her third marriage failed in 1978. In the mid 1990’s Page became aware of her re-emerged popularity. Thankfully Page was able to see and understand the lasting impact she has had on both pop culture and culture at large. When Page passed away, the world had lost a trailblazer for women and for sexuality.
Visit the official Bettie Page website HERE .
Netta, I certainly agree that she was a trail blazer.