#1. Jayne Mansfield’s Fatal Car Crash
Contrary to popular belief, Jayne Mansfield was not beheaded in the tragic car crash that took her life in 1967. “Her head was attached as much as mine is,” said Jim Roberts, the undertaker, in a 1997 interview with The New York Times.
#2. A Multilingual Bombshell
Mansfield was far from a stereotypical “dumb blonde.” She spoke five languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. With an IQ reportedly as high as 163, she was one of Hollywood’s most intelligent stars.
#3. Musically Talented
In addition to acting, Mansfield was a classically trained pianist and violinist. Her skills extended beyond beauty and acting, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
#4. Beauty Pageant Queen
Mansfield held numerous quirky beauty titles, including Miss Photoflash, Miss Magnesium Lamp, and Miss Fire Prevention Week. Her crown collection was as eccentric as it was extensive, making her a frequent figure in pageants.
#5. Studied Under Baruch Lumet
While living in Dallas, Mansfield studied acting under Baruch Lumet, a prominent drama coach and the father of famed filmmaker Sidney Lumet, who would go on to direct classics like 12 Angry Men.
#6. From Candy Girl to Star
Before hitting it big in Hollywood, Mansfield worked as a candy girl in movie theaters, a humble beginning that led her to stardom. Her determination paved the way for her later success.
#7. Her First Publicity Stunt
Mansfield’s first press stunt occurred in 1955 at a Florida press junket for Underwater, a Howard Hughes film. She stole the spotlight with a perfectly-timed wardrobe malfunction, earning her a spot in the headlines.
#8. A Star in Playboy
Posing for Playboy in 1955 helped boost Mansfield’s career. She appeared in the magazine several times and even faced controversy when Hugh Hefner was arrested for obscenity after publishing photos from her 1963 film Promises! Promises!.
#9. The Iconic Pink Palace
Mansfield lived in an extravagant 40-room mansion known as the “Pink Palace.” It featured a heart-shaped pool and a pink champagne fountain. She also drove a pink Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible, adding to her unique and lavish image.
#10. Mother of Mariska Hargitay
Mansfield is the mother of Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Mariska, Mansfield’s daughter with Mickey Hargitay, carries on her mother’s Hollywood legacy today.
#11. Sophia Loren’s Side-Eye
In a famous 1957 photograph, Mansfield was captured leaning over a table at a party, exposing her cleavage next to Italian actress Sophia Loren. Loren later commented on the event, humorously recalling, “I’m staring at her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate.”
#12. Connection with the Church of Satan
Jayne Mansfield had a strange encounter with Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan. Their rumored relationship and the legend of her death are explored in the documentary Mansfield 66/67, highlighting her fascination with the occult.
