Biography of mae west

1893-1980

Who Was Mae West?

Mae West hit her Hollywood stride in her late 30s when she might have been considered in her "advanced years" for playing sexy harlots, but her persona and physical beauty overcame any doubt.

The blunt sexuality of her films aroused the wrath and moral indignation of several groups, but this sexuality is what she is remembered for today.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Mary Jane West
BORN: August 17, 1893
DIED: November 22, 1980
BIRTHPLACE: Brooklyn, New York
SPOUSES: Frank Wallace (1911-1966)
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Leo

Early Life

Born Mary Jane West on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, to Matilda and John West.

Biography of mae west

Family members called her Mae (spelled May at the time) from an early age. Matilda, also known as "Tillie," was a German immigrant and aspiring actress. But her parents' disapproval in career choices brought her dreams down to a more realistic profession as a garment worker.

However, she clandestin