Post a Pup Sundays! Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield, originally named Vera Jayne Palmer, was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1933. She was an iconic American actress, singer, and entertainer who gained fame during the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for her remarkable beauty, infectious charm, and larger-than-life personality, Jayne led a dramatic, fascinating life filled with glamour, talent, personal struggles, and a deep love for her family and pets.

During her formative years, Jayne displayed exceptional intelligence and fierce determination. With a reported IQ of 163, she pursued her academic interests at Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on drama and showcasing her talent in local plays. Her aspirations led her to Los Angeles in 1954, where she initially faced challenges but eventually succeeded with her role in the Broadway play "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" in 1955.

Her Hollywood career flourished after signing with 20th Century Fox in 1956. She starred in notable films such as "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956), "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" (1957), and "The Wayward Bus" (1957). Jayne's talents extended beyond the silver screen to television and stage, where she made memorable appearances on popular shows and achieved success with nightclub acts, particularly in Las Vegas.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jayne's personal life became a subject of public fascination. She was married three times: to Paul Mansfield (1950-1958), with whom she had her first child, Jayne Marie Mansfield; Mickey Hargitay (1958-1964), with whom she had three children, including actress Mariska Hargitay; and Matt Cimber (1964-1966). Her relationships, marriages, infidelities, and motherhood were often in the spotlight, contributing to her status as a Hollywood icon.

As Jayne's career progressed, she faced a problematic battle with alcoholism, which began to affect her personal and professional life. This struggle led to a shift from major studio productions to low-budget and exploitation films, such as "Promises! Promises!" (1963), where she made history as the first prominent American actress to appear nude in a Hollywood film. Her increasing reliance on alcohol made her less dependable and more challenging to work with, leading to a distancing from the mainstream film industry. This decline was further complicated by tumultuous relationships, particularly with her attorney Sam Brody, often marked by publicized altercations.

As her film career declined, Jayne turned to performing in nightclubs and burlesque shows. Despite the less prestigious venues, she continued to captivate audiences with her enduring charm and talent, earning the admiration of many. One of the most heartwarming aspects of Jayne's life was her deep affection for animals, particularly her beloved dogs. Her pets were not merely accessories but cherished companions that brought her immense joy and comfort. Some of her known pets included Gallina, a rescued Chihuahua; T.S. Eliot, a Pomeranian; Shakespeare, a basset hound; Precious Jewel and Emerald (tragically died with her in the car accident); Dorothy and Cow, the Chihuahuas that survived the accident.

Gallina was a particularly special Chihuahua, and Jayne adopted her several years before her tragic death. She was rescued from a family of circus dogs and quickly became a central figure in Jayne's life. The dog even appeared with her on "The Jack Paar Show," highlighting their close bond. Unfortunately, during her stay in Milwaukee in 1964 for a week-long engagement of the play "Champagne Complex" at the Pabst Theater, Gallina tragically passed away in her sleep at the Pfister Hotel. Devastated, Jayne organized a highly publicized funeral for Gallina, leading a small procession to Thistlerose Kennels' cemetery in Greendale. The ceremony, attended by her other dogs and local media, was a touching tribute to her beloved pet.

Jayne's grief was evident, and she made a sign of the cross over Gallina's grave, telling reporters, "She was Catholic. We're Catholic. People who don't have dogs don't understand." This gesture of holding a funeral for her pet showcased Jayne's deep emotional connection with Gallina and her other pets.

Tragically, Jayne Mansfield's life was cut short in a car accident on June 29, 1967, at the age of 34. The accident also claimed the lives of her boyfriend, Sam Brody, and their driver, leading to the implementation of 'Mansfield bars' on trucks. These bars, also known as 'underride guards', are designed to prevent similar underride collisions, contributing to improved road safety.

Despite her untimely death, Jayne left a timeless legacy in popular culture, including this still infamous photo of Sophia Loren getting an eyeful. 

*I purposely didn't choose photos of Jayne when she was genuinely declining and self-destructive because they are sad and showcase her demons instead of her best trait; her love of animals, specifically dogs.

*I didn't touch on her gruesome death because it is full of myths, and it is hard to discern what was true. I know Mariska was asleep in the car, and I have always felt sorry for her to have been there when it happened. 

I have no photo sources because the places I found the photos didn't have any.