Virginia Mayo (1920-2005)

biography

Born Virginia Jones in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 30, 1920, lovely Virginia Mayo began dance training while still a young girl. She continued dancing after completing school, and by the time Mayo was 21 she landing film work in small roles and often as a dancer. She signed a contract with Samuel Goldwyn in 1943, and the next year Goldwyn gave Mayo her big break in the Bob Hope comedy The Princess and the Pirate (1944). Goldwyn often cast the beautiful actress in comedies, such as the Danny Kaye vehicles Wonder Man (1945), The Kid from Brooklyn (1946), and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947). Mayo married actor Michael O'Shea in 1947, and the following year she left Goldwyn for Warner Bros. At the new studio Mayo was cast in a number of film noir thrillers such as Flaxy Martin (1949) and White Heat (1949). Beginning in 1949 when she acted in the Joel McCrea western Colorado Territory, she enjoyed a long association with westerns films.

Throughout the 1950s, Mayo acted in many westerns, including The Proud Ones (1956; with Jeffrey Hunter), The Tall Stranger (1957; with Joel McCrea, and Fort Dobbs (1958; with Clint Walker). From the 1960s onward, Mayo accepted just a few film and television roles.

the films of virginia mayo

Up in Arms (1944)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)

Out of the Blue (1947)

Smart Girls Don't Talk (1948)

A Song is Born (1948)

White Heat (1949)

She's Working Her Way Through College (1952)

The Silver Chalice (1954)

Congo Crossing (1956)

Great Day in the Morning (1956)

The Proud Ones (1956)

The Big Land (1957)

Fort Dobbs (1958)

Castle of Evil (1966)

later years

After the release of the Italian-made Revolt of the Mercenaries (1960), Virginia Mayo took a break from films and began working in theater. In the mid 1960s she acted in the westerns Young Fury (1965) and Fort Utah (1967) and a horror film, Castle of Evil (1966; with Scott Brady and Lisa Gaye). Mayo did no more film work until after the death of her husband in 1973. Afterward, she appeared in several films and made additional television appearances. Her final film was the suspenser The Man Next Door (1997). Sadly, Virginia Mayo passed away on January 17, 2005, of heart failure at the age of 84. She was survived by her daughter.

virginia mayo films available from movies unlimited

Hey Folks, It's Intermission Time!, Vol. 2 [DVD] DVD
More memorable ads for movie theaters, including come-ons for Christmas, Halloween and Mother's Day shows, cartoon carnivals, Milkshake candy bars, a Spike Jones live performance and films like "Cinderfella." Also, see Rosemary Clooney's happy holiday greeting, Virginia Mayo promoting Christmas Seals, and an anti-Pay-TV announcement. 90 min.
Jack London (The Jack London Story) [DVD](1943) DVD
This biography of the famed adventure writer features Michael O'Shea in the title role and follows London from his travels in Canada, the Pacific and Japan to his success with such stories as "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang." Exciting real-life drama also stars Susan Hayward, Ralph Morgan, Virginia Mayo. AKA: "The Adventures of Jack London." 94 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
The Princess And The Pirate [DVD](1944) DVD
Slapstick swashbuckler stars Bob Hope as a vaudevillian who, after being banished from England, heads off to America aboard a ship where he must reluctantly defend beautiful princess Virginia Mayo from a dastardly pirate crew that includes Walter Brennan and Victor McLaglen. With Walter Slezak, Hugo Haas, Marc Lawrence. 94 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish.
Bob Hope: M-G-M Movie Legends Collection [DVD] DVD
When war correspondent Bob Hope is fired, he tries to win his job back by uncovering a Nazi spy ring. "They Got Me Covered" (1943) co-stars Dorothy Lamour, Otto Preminger. Eastern insurance salesman Hope inadvertently sells a policy to outlaw Jesse James, then heads out West, not knowing that his client has a plan to get Hope mistaken for him and shot. "Alias Jesse James" (1959) also stars Rhonda Fleming, Wendell Corey, with numerous movie cowboys in cameos. Hope and Lucille Ball star in the satirical "The Facts of Life" (1960), playing the participants in a would-be love affair that never gets started thanks to their families. Ruth Hussey, Louis Nye co-star. Real estate agent Hope tries to hide a runaway movie queen (Elke Sommer) while her film director boyfriend and the studio look for her. "Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!" (1967) co-stars Phyllis Diller, Cesare Danova. Seven-disc set also includes "I'll Take Sweden," "The Princess and the Pirate," and "The Road to Hong Kong." 11 1/4 hrs. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish.
The Best Years Of Our Lives [DVD](1946) DVD
Three WWII veterans returning home must fight their own personal battles for acceptance and adjustment in this Oscar-winning William Wyler drama. Fredric March, Dana Andrews and real-life amputee Harold Russell star, along with Hoagy Carmichael, Myrna Loy and Teresa Wright. 172 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby mono, Spanish mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailer.
A Song Is Born [DVD](1948) DVD
Mild-mannered professor Danny Kaye gets mixed up with gangsters when he enlists singer Virginia Mayo's help in compiling a "jazz encyclopedia" in director Howard Hawks' slapstick remake of his earlier "Ball of Fire." With Hugh Herbert, Steve Cochran, and musical performances by Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. Songs include the title tune, "Daddy-O," "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," and others. 113 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish.
Colorado Territory [DVD](1949) DVD
This western remake of the Humphrey Bogart gangster flick "High Sierra" stars Joel McCrea as a notorious outlaw who breaks out of jail and winds up planning one last railroad robbery with his old gang, despite his desire to settle down. But McCrea and dance hall girl Virginia Mayo must make a desperate escape to the mountains when the heist goes bad. Dorothy Malone also stars; directed by Raoul Walsh, who also helmed the original. 94 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
White Heat [DVD](1949) DVD
The quintessential gangster film features James Cagney in his most frightening role, that of Cody Jarrett, a psychotic, mother-obsessed gunman who plans to escape from prison with fellow inmate Vic Pardo (Edmond O'Brien) and reunite his old crew for an armored car job. But when Pardo turns out to be a federal agent sent to infiltrate the gang, Jarrett engages in a violent shoot-out with the cops that culminates in a fiery finale. Raoul Walsh's riveting crime-drama co-stars Virginia Mayo, and Margaret Wycherly as Ma Jarrett. 113 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish.
The West Point Story [DVD](1950) DVD
Brassy musical stars James Cagney as a down-on-his-luck stage director who is hired to put on a show at the title military academy. Frustrated by the production's complications, Cagney strikes a cadet and, in order to continue working, must become a cadet himself. Doris Day, Virginia Mayo and Gordon MacRae co-star; songs include "You Love Me," "Long Before I Knew You" and "Military Polka." 107 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; newsreel footage; bonus shorts "His Bitter Half" (1950), "Granddad of Races" (1950); theatrical trailers.
James Cagney: The Signature Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc boxed set includes "The Fighting 69th," "Torrid Zone," "The Bride Came C.O.D.," "Captains of the Clouds," and "The West Point Story."
The Flame And The Arrow [DVD](1950) DVD
Rousing adventure saga set in medieval Italy stars a swashbuckling Burt Lancaster as the leader of a rebel army tangling with Hessian troops whose leader (Robert Douglas), has welcomed Lancaster's ex-wife (Lynne Baggett) into his arms. Things get really nasty when Lancaster kidnaps Douglas' niece (Virginia Mayo). With Nick Cravat, Norman Lloyd. 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French; bonus shorts "So You're Going to Have an Operation" (1950), "Strife with Father" (1950); theatrical trailers.
Along The Great Divide [DVD](1951) DVD
Believing himself to be responsible for the death of his father, guilt-ridden marshal Kirk Douglas saves an accused killer from a lynch mob. Together, the men set out across the desert to the nearest town with hopes of getting the would-be murderer a fair trial--experiencing plenty of difficulties during their travels. Virginia Mayo, John Agar, Walter Brennan co-star. 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Painting The Clouds With Sunshine [DVD](1951) DVD
Fun romantic comedy remake of 1923's "The Gold Diggers" stars Lucille Norman, Virginia Mayo, and Virginia Gibson as a nightclub song-and-dance trio that heads to Las Vegas in order to land rich husbands. However, Norman is only lukewarm to the idea because she's heartbroken over leaving beau and chronic gambler Dennis Morgan behind. She eventually becomes engaged to a local playboy, but when Morgan hears the news, it sets a wild road to reconciliation in motion. 87 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Captain Horatio Hornblower [DVD](1951) DVD
Thrilling adventure saga starring Gregory Peck as a British naval officer caught in the crossfire between the Spanish, the French and a Central American dictator during the Napoleonic Wars. Virginia Mayo also stars as the beautiful aristocrat who catches Peck's eye when she hitches a ride with him and his crew while trying to escape an outbreak of yellow fever. Lavish adaptation of C.S. Forester's novel also stars Robert Beatty, Moultrie Kelsall. 117 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Portuguese; theatrical trailer; bonus shorts "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (1950), "Captain Hareblower" (1954); radio broadcast with Peck, Mayo.
Literary Classics Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1937), "The Three Musketeers" (1948), "Captain Horatio Hornblower," "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1952), "Billy Budd," and "Madame Bovary" (1949).
The Iron Mistress [DVD](1952) DVD
Alan Ladd stars as famed American frontiersman Jim Bowie in this involving western biopic. Traveling to New Orleans to sell a lumber supply, Bowie falls for the beautiful and upper crust Judalon de Bornay (Virginia Mayo). Bowie tries to reinvent himself as a member of Southern high society in an effort to win his beloved's heart, finding time along the way to craft the knife that would bear his name. Joseph Calleia, Phyllis Kirk also star. 109 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
She's Working Her Way Through College [DVD](1952) DVD
A burlesque dancer (Virginia Mayo) looking for a sound mind to match her sound body enrolls at a Midwestern college, where she catches the eye of the school's star quarterback (Gene Nelson) and complicates the life of a theater arts professor (Ronald Reagan). Phyllis Thaxter and Don DeFore co-star in this musical revamping of "The Male Animal"; songs include "With Plenty of Money and You," "Am I in Love?" 101 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Burt Lancaster: Signature Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "The Flame and the Arrow," "Jim Thorpe--All-American," "His Majesty O'Keefe," "South Sea Woman" (1953) with Virginia Mayo, and "Executive Action."
South Sea Woman [DVD](1953) DVD
"The Flame and the Arrow" co-stars Burt Lancaster and Virginia Mayo reunited for this spirited mix of adventure and comedy. Lancaster stars as a Marine gunnery sergeant on trial for desertion after the attack on Pearl Harbor who reluctantly relies on showgirl Mayo's testimony that he wasn't AWOL, but was actually helping the French resistance take out a Nazi supply ship. Chuck Connors also stars. 98 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French.
She's Back On Broadway [DVD](1953) DVD
With her Hollywood career in the doldrums, actress Virginia Mayo tries to revive her popularity by treading the boards in New York. When the new play's director turns out to be ex-lover Gene Nelson, the stage is set--in more ways than one--for conflict, comedy, romantic sparks, and music. Frank Lovejoy, Steve Cochran also star; songs include "I May Be Wrong," "Breakfast in Bed," "I'll Take You." 95 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
The Silver Chalice [DVD](1954) DVD
In his film debut, Paul Newman portrays Basil the Defender, a 1st-century Greek artisan sold into slavery by his evil uncle. When his gifts as a sculptor are discovered, Basil is commissioned to cast a silver replica of the cup Jesus Christ used at the Last Supper. Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Virginia Mayo, Lorne Greene, Natalie Wood, and E.G. Marshall also star in this sprawling costume epic based on the novel by Thomas B. Costain. 135 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English (SDH), French.
Pearl Of The South Pacific [DVD](1955) DVD
It's adventure, romance and mayhem in Paradise when comely con woman Virginia Mayo and her partners in crime, Dennis Morgan and David Farrar, try to rob some South Seas natives out of a fortune in rare black pearls. Trouble is, the gems are guarded in an undersea grotto by a giant octopus! 86 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
Classic Western Collection: The Outlaws [DVD] DVD
Four-disc set includes "Broken Lance," "The Proud Ones," "Forty Guns," and "The Culpepper Cattle Co."
The Proud Ones [DVD](1956) DVD
Robert Ryan stars in this dramatic oater as Marshal Silver, struggling to maintain law and order in a quiet Kansas town after the arrival of trail herds from Texas. Silver faces additional danger when Thad Anderson (Jeffrey Hunter), the son of a gunman killed by Silver, comes into town. Silver tries to take the young cowboy under his wing, but the thirst for revenge may prove too strong. 94 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround stereo, French Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish.
The Story Of Mankind [DVD](1957) DVD
During a cosmic courtroom drama in which the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, the Devil (Vincent Price) and the Spirit of Man (Ronald Colman) argue about the nobility of the human race. Brought into evidence are the deeds of Nero (Peter Lorre), Joan of Arc (Hedy Lamarr), Queen Elizabeth I (Agnes Moorehead), Napoleon (Dennis Hopper), and many others. Director/co-writer Irwin Allen's wildly strange film co-stars Groucho, Harpo, and Chico Marx, Cedric Hardwicke, Virginia Mayo, John Carradine, and more. 100 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Westbound [DVD](1959) DVD
During the Civil War, Union army captain Randolph Scott ventures deep into Confederate territory to carry out a dangerous assignment to create a safe route of passage to California for stagecoaches filled with gold. Complicating matters is the blossoming romance between Scott and Karen Steele (wife of director Budd Boetticher) and conflicts between Southerners eager to see Scott's mission fail. With Michael Dante, Virginia Mayo. 72 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Night Gallery: Season Two [DVD](1971) DVD
All 22 episodes from the series's second season--featuring such stories as "The Boy Who Predicted Earthquakes," "With Apologies to Mr. Hyde," "The Devil Is Not Mocked," "Hell's Bells," and "The Caterpillar"--are included in a five-disc set. 18 2/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); art gallery; audio commentary on selected episodes; featurette; photo gallery; TV spots. **22 episodes on 5 discs. 18 2/3 hrs.**
French Quarter [DVD](1977) DVD
New Orleans is the backdrop for this underrated melodrama chronicling the experiences of a prostitute in the early 19th century and her reincarnation who also lives in the Big Easy nearly 100 years later. As both of the women and their co-workers have their fates intertwined by a voodoo curse that spans the ages, they try to make lives for themselves--despite what the future (or the past) has in store for them. Virginia Mayo, Bruce Davison, Alisha Fontaine star. 101 min. Soundtrack: English.

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filmography

FILM
The Man Next Door (1997) with Karen Carlson
Evil Spirits (1990) with Martine Beswick, Karen Black, Anthony Eisley, and Yvette Vickers
The Haunted (1979) with Aldo Ray
French Quarter (1977) with Bruce Davison
Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976) featuring an all-star cast
Fugitive Lovers (1975) with John Russell
Fort Utah (1967) with John Ireland, Scott Brady, John Russell, and Richard Arlen
Castle of Evil (1966) with Scott Brady, Lisa Gaye, David Brian, and Hugh Marlowe
Young Fury (1965) with Rory Calhoun, John Agar, Lon Chaney Jr., Merry Anders, Jody McCrea, Richard Arlen, and William Welman Jr.
Revolt of the Mercenaries (1960)
Jet Over the Atlantic (1959) with Guy Madison, George Raft, Brett Halsey, and Ilona Massey
Westbound (1958) with Randolph Scott, Karen Steele, and Andrew Duggan
Fort Dobbs (1958) with Clint Walker and Brian Keith
The Tall Stranger (1957) with Joel McCrea and Whit Bissell
The Story of Mankind (1957) with Hedy Lamarr, Vincent Price, and Ziva Rodann
The Big Land (1957) with Alan Ladd and Edmond O'Brien
Congo Crossing (1956) with George Nader, Peter Lorre, and Raymond Bailey
The Proud Ones (1956) with Jeffrey Hunter, Robert Ryan, Ken Clark, and Whit Bissell
Great Day in the Morning (1956) with Ruth Roman, Raymond Burr, Robert Stack, and Alex Nicol
Pearl of the South Pacific (1955) with Dennis Morgan and Lance Fuller
The Silver Chalice (1954) with Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, and Paul Newman
King Richard and the Crusaders (1954) with Rex Harrison, George Sanders, and Paula Raymond
Devil's Canyon (1953) with Dale Robertson, Stephen McNally, and Whit Bissell
South Sea Woman (1953) with Burt Lancaster and Chuck Connors
She's Back on Broadway (1953) with Steve Cochran and Gene Nelson
She's Working Her Way Through College (1952) with Ronald Reagan, Don DeFore, and Phyllis Thaxter
The Iron Mistresse (1952) with Alan Ladd and Phyllis Kirk
Painting the Clouds with Sunshine (1951) with Dennis Morgan, Gene Nelson, and Tom Conway
Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951) with Gregory Peck
Along the Great Divide (1951) with Kirk Douglas and John Agar
The West Point Story (1950) with James Cagney, Doris Day, Gene Nelson, and Gordon MacRae
The Flame and the Arrow (1950) with Burt Lancaster
Backfire (1950) with Gordon MacRae and Edmund O'Brien
Always Leave Them Laughing (1949) with Milton Berle, Ruth Roman, Bert Lahr, and Max Showalter
The Girl from Jones Beach (1949) with Ronald Reagan and Eddie Bracken
Red Light (1949) with George Raft and Raymond Burr
White Heat (1949) with James Cagney, Steve Cochran, and Edmund O'Brien
Colorado Territory (1949) with Joel McCrea and Dorothy Malone
Flaxy Martin (1949) with Zachary Scott, Dorothy Malone, and Elisha Cook Jr.
Smart Girls Don't Talk (1948) with Bruce Bennett and Robert Hutton
A Song Is Born (1948) with Danny Kaye and Steve Cochran
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) with Danny Kaye, Boris Karloff, and Fay Bainter
Out of the Blue (1947) with George Brent, Turhan Bey, and Carole Landis
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) with Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Cathy O'Donnell, Dana Andrews, and Steve Cochran
The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) with Danny Kaye, Steve Cochran, Eve Arden, Vera-Ellen, and Fay Bainter
Wonder Man (1945) with Danny Kaye, Steve Cochran, and Vera-Ellen
The Princess and the Pirate (1944) with Bob Hope, Walter Slezak, and Walter Brennan
Seven Days Ashore (1944) with Wally Brown
Up in Arms (1944) with Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore, and Dana Andrews
Jack London (1943) with Michael O'Shea and Susan Hayward

TELEVISION SERIES
Santa Barbara, 1984-1993 NBC daytime TV series. Mayo portrayed Peaches DeLight during the 1984 season

virginia mayo links

The Virginia Mayo Official Web Site

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Watch Virginia Mayo's 1943 film Jack London