Poor, Gorgeous, Virginia Mayo

A wonderful actress, but when you read any review of one of her films, professional or moviegoer, the concentration is always on how she looks, not about her performance. Yes, Virginia Mayo was recognized as "the most beautiful blond in the movies." But, she was much more than that. Witness her wonderful performances in "White Heat" and "The Best Years of Our Lives," both performances being ignored by the Academy Awards and everybody else.

Miss Mayo told a New York reporter, "I was a better actress than they gave me credit for! It was all about beauty...how I looked, all that nonsense. I couldn't win, no matter how much I prepared for a serious role." At the time, film roles had dried up for her and she was being welcomed on the dinner theatre circuit, starring in touring companies of Broadway shows.

She and some of her peers made a memorable appearance on Vicki Lawrence's talk show in the early 90s. They (Margaret O'Brien, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell, Dorothy Malone and Virginia Mayo) talked about their careers, leading men, best kissers, the contract system, etc. It was a hoot.

Trivia: Virginia Mayo was Paul Newman's FIRST leading lady in films. The movie: THE SILVER CHALICE.