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Jeanne CarmenAmerican model, pin-up icon, golfer and actress
Date of Birth: 04.08.1930
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Jean Carmen
Early Life and CareerJean Carmen, an American model, pin-up icon, golfer, and actress, was born on August 4, 1930, in Paragould, Arkansas. Growing up in poverty, Jean spent most of her childhood picking cotton until she ran away from home at the age of 13. Her destination was New York, and she paid for food and lodging in motels by earning money through dancing. By the time her family found out, 17-year-old Jean was already dancing on Broadway in the show "Burlesque" alongside Burt Lahr, famous for his role as the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz."
At the age of 18, Jean, blessed with a stunning figure, green eyes, and thick dark hair, decided to capitalize on her looks and started posing semi-nude and nude for men's magazines. She worked with notorious photographer Irving Klaw, known for his interest in sado-masochism. Jean's body delighted readers of magazines such as "Titter," "Carnival," "Glance," "Dare," "Pose," and eventually "Playboy." She even appeared on the covers of thirteen magazines simultaneously, setting a true record.
Golfing Career and Hollywood
In 1949, Jean's career took an unexpected turn when she met photographer Jack Redmond, a golf enthusiast. She posed for advertisements featuring women's golf attire and discovered that she had a natural talent for golf, being able to sink a ball from 210 yards away. In the early 1950s, she toured the East Coast, showcasing her skills and earning up to a thousand dollars a day.
During this time, Jean had a romantic relationship with Chicago gangster Johnny Roselli. She transformed from a brunette beauty to a stunning blonde and accompanied Roselli to Las Vegas, where she used her golfing abilities to help him swindle wealthy individuals. At the age of 22, Jean found herself in Hollywood. She attended parties, made important connections, and paid her bills by giving golf lessons to celebrities. She appeared on the cover of the pin-up calendar "Esquire Girl's," hoping to break into the ranks of Hollywood stars. After a couple of years and hundreds of photos, she succeeded. Jean landed her first role as a dancer in the film "Striporama" in 1953. She went on to play roles such as passionate Spanish senoritas, brave Native American squaws, rebellious young women, and the main character's gorgeous sidekick. In total, she appeared in nineteen films and TV shows, including the comedic horror film "The Naked Monster" released in 2005.
Personal Life and Later Years
Jean never lacked attention from men and was married and divorced twice. She even had a romantic relationship with Frank Sinatra. In 1998, a documentary titled "Jean Carmen: Queen of B-Movies" was released as part of the "True Hollywood Story" series. It suggested that it was dangerous for Jean to be close friends with Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy brothers. After Monroe's death, Johnny Roselli, Jean's former acquaintance and gangster, advised her to leave town. Believing her life was in danger, Jean left for Arizona, where she lived for over ten years, unrecognized by anyone. She said goodbye to her platinum locks, raised three children, and lived a peaceful life, never mentioning Hollywood. Jean's final film, "The Devil's Hand," was released in 1962. However, the alleged friendship between Jean and Marilyn remains unconfirmed, as there is no photographic evidence of them together.
Jean Carmen, the pin-up queen, passed away on December 20, 2007, at the age of 77, due to lymphoma. She left behind three children, Melinda, Kelly Jade, and Brandon, as well as three grandchildren. Shortly before her death, there were discussions about a biographical film about her life, with Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johansson, and Kate Bosworth being considered for the lead role. However, no further information on the film was provided.
