Bettie Page, Pin-up Icon
Legendary model Bettie Page passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2008 in Los Angeles after suffering from pneumonia three weeks ago which led to a heart attack. She was 85 years old. Page’s curvy body and long black hair are recognizable by nearly everybody. She made regular appearances in men’s magazines throughout the 1950s and later became a cult icon for vixens all over.
Of her passing, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said, “”I think that she was a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our society. She was a very dear person.” Hefner chose Page to be the January 1955 Playmate of the Month in his magazine.
Page’s career was considered controversial during her day. However her bold approach to modeling and sexuality is now considered a major factor in moving forward the 1960s sexual revolution.
Page shied away from the public eye as she got older not wanting to be photographed or do many interviews. “I don’t want to be photographed in my old age,” she said in 1998. “I feel the same way with old movie stars. … It makes me sad. We want to remember them when they were young.”
Page spent her later years in and out of mental institutions, suffering from schizophrenia.
Whatever you may think about her photographs and risque appearances in magazines, she lived her life fully and as she wanted, a true testiment to her character.
For more about her incredible life, read http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28185814/.
Tags: 1955 Playmate of the month, Bettie Page, betty page, celebrity death