Affectionately called a real-life Barbie, Jayne Mansfield was a shining star of great talent and an outgoing persona. Despite her relatively short time in the spotlight, she showcased her true potential and continues to inspire people today! The blond bombshell braved many hurdles in her professional life, making courageous choices in the pursuit of fame. Though she passed away prematurely, she will forever remain immortalized in her legendary legacy.
When Did Jayne Mansfield Pass Away?
On the fateful night of June 29, 1967, 34-year-old actress and dancer Jayne Mansfield and two of her companions tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident on US Highway 90. She had been travelling to New Orleans to film an episode of the WDSU Midday Show, with her three children in the back seat. Miraculously, her children were unharmed, and Mansfield now rests peacefully in the grave next to her father in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania.
Jayne Mansfield’s Educational Background
Jayne Mansfield spent her formative years in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, before relocating to Texas with her mother and stepfather Harry Lawrence Peers. She completed her high school education at Highland Park High School in 1950.
Throughout her school years, Jayne displayed a love for the arts, learning various instruments such as the violin, piano, and viola, as well as ballroom dance. At the age of 18, she pursued her passion for acting and studied at Southern Methodist University with her first husband.
Jayne also studied dramatics at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Texas at Austin. After returning to Dallas, she continued to improve her acting skills under the tutelage of renowned American actor Baruch Lumet.
Jayne’s dedication to her craft enabled her to become one of the best in her field.
Jayne Mansfield’s Loving Family
Jayne Mansfield was the only child of Vera Jeffrey Palmer and Herbert William Palmer, who passed away when she was three years old. After a few years, her mother remarried and relocated with Jayne to Texas, where she eventually married her first husband, Paul Mansfield, in 1950. The couple welcomed a daughter named Jayne Marie the same year.
Unfortunately, Paul and Jayne’s marriage came to an end in 1958 due to compatibility issues. Jayne then went on to marry actor Mickey Hargitay in the same year, and the couple had three children together. During this time, she was also involved in a highly publicized affair with Italian producer Enrico Bomba.
Jayne’s third marriage was to Matt Cimber, and they had a child together. However, their marriage only lasted two years.
A Quick Overview of Jayne Mansfield’s Career
Jayne Mansfield kickstarted her illustrious career by winning numerous beauty pageants and working in local theaters alongside her first husband in Dallas. She even made an appearance in the play Death of a Salesman.
Her big break came when she was featured in Playboy Magazine and was subsequently named Playboy Playmate of the Month in 1955. Although her magazine feature was a career boost, it resulted in her losing custody of her daughter.
Undeterred, Jayne continued to pursue her career and ventured into the film industry, making her debut in the 1955 film Female Jungle. She went on to appear in several Warner Bros films in minor roles while simultaneously continuing her work in theater.
Jayne eventually signed a contract with Twentieth Century Fox, leading to her first leading role in the hit 1956 musical The Girl Can’t Help It. The success of this film propelled her to more significant roles, including her Golden Globe-winning performance in The Wayward Bus.
In addition to her film career, Mansfield ventured into television, appearing on The Bachelor and making many other TV appearances. She also pursued a successful music and nightclub career in Las Vegas.
Throughout her career, Jayne appeared in both lead and supporting roles in high and low-budget films. Her sensual scenes in Too Hot to Handle and Promises! Promises! garnered her a great deal of attention.
Jayne’s final film appearance was in Single Room Furnished in 1968, which was filmed before her untimely death.
- Full Born Name: Vera Jayne Palmer
- Occupation: Actress, Singer, Model
- Date of Birth: April 19, 1933
- Birthplace: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, US
- Education: Highland Park High School, Southern Methodist University, UCLA
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Father Name: Herbert William Palmer
- Mother Name: Vera Jeffrey Palmer
- Spouse: Paul Mansfield (1950-58); Mickey Hargitay (1958-64); Matt Cimber (1964-66)
- Children: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Mariska Hargitay, Mickey Hargitay Jr., Zoltan Hargitay, Tony Cimber
Jayne Mansfield’s Height and Weight
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 52 kg, the legendary Jayne Mansfield was renowned as one of the 1950s’ leading sex symbols, due to her captivating physical stature.
Jayne Mansfield’s Body Measurements and Captivating Looks
Jayne Mansfield was known for her stunning figure, which measured approximately 40-21-35 inches or 102-54-89 cm, and it is believed that she wore a bra size of 36D with a D cup.
Despite being remembered as one of Hollywood’s original blonde bombshells, Jayne was actually a natural brunette who transformed her look by dyeing her hair platinum blonde, which became her signature style. She even bleached her eyebrows to match her new hair color, which helped to accentuate her captivating brown eyes. With her square-shaped face and iconic curled hairstyle, Jayne had a striking resemblance to a Barbie doll.
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches or 165 cm (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 52 kg or 114 pounds |
| Face Shape | Square |
| Bra Size | 36D |
| Cup Size | D |
| Figure | Curvy |
| Body Measurements | 40-21-35 inches or 102-54-89 cm |
| Shoe Size | 7 (US) or 37.5 (EU) or 5 (UK) |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) or 36 (EU) or 8 (UK) |
| Eyes Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | Platinum Blonde |
Jayne Mansfield’s Net Worth
Jayne Mansfield was one of the most in-demand actresses of her era. With a large body of successful work and a Golden Globe to her name, her estimated net worth upon her untimely death was around $4 million.
Exciting Facts about Jayne Mansfield’s Life
Jayne Mansfield acquired English and German ancestry from paternal size and English and Cornish descent from the maternal side.
Jayne’s favorite and signature color was pink.
She was the first American actress to do a fully unclad scene in a post-silent film.
In 1980, she was featured in an Emmy-winning biography show called Jayne Mansfield: Blonde Ambition.
Conclusion
Jayne Mansfield was a beloved actress and model who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry during her time. Known for her striking beauty and signature blonde hair, she was a symbol of glamour and elegance. Jayne’s career was marked by a series of memorable performances on both the big and small screens, including her Golden Globe-winning role in “The Wayward Bus.”
She was also a talented musician, dancer, and performer, captivating audiences with her electrifying stage presence. Despite her success, Jayne was a devoted mother to her five children and remained committed to her charitable causes throughout her life. Her untimely death in a tragic car accident was a shock to the world, but her legacy lives on through her work and the countless lives she touched during her career.