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Mae West: Biography, Facts and Career

Who is Mae West? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team4 min read✓ Fact-checked
Mae West
Paramount Pictures via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Mary Jane "Mae" West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980) was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright whose career spanned more than seven decades. Recognized as a prominent sex symbol of her time, she was known for portraying sexually confident characters and for her use of double entendres, often delivering her lines in a distinctive contralto voice. West began performing in vaudeville and on stage in New York City before moving on to film in Los Angeles. She was frequently associated with controversies over censorship and once stated, "I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it." As her film career declined, she remained active by writing books and plays, performing in Las Vegas and London, and appearing on radio and television. In later years, she also released rock and roll recordings. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her 15th among the greatest female screen legends of classic American cinema.

Quick facts about Mae West

  • Full name: Mae West
  • Born: 1893-08-17
  • Nationality: United States
  • Known as: Musician
  • Wikidata ID: Q202878

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mae West?

Mary Jane "Mae" West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980) was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright whose career spanned more than seven decades.

What nationality is Mae West?

Mae West is United States.

When was Mae West born?

Mae West was born on 1893-08-17.

Sources

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