Mae West was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright whose career spanned more than seven decades.
She began performing in vaudeville at the age of 14 and made her Broadway debut in 1911.
West famously quipped, "Marriage is a great institution. I'm not ready for an institution," reflecting her independent spirit.
Biography
Early Life
Mary Jane "Mae" West was born on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, to a family with a rich cultural background. Her mother, Mathilde Delker, was a German immigrant and a corset model, while her father, John Patrick "Battlin' Jack" West, was a former prizefighter. Growing up in a creative environment, Mae was the eldest of three children and began her performance career at a young age, first entertaining crowds at church socials and later winning local talent contests.
Career
West's professional career took off in vaudeville at the age of 14, where she initially performed under the name "Baby Mae." By 1911, she made her Broadway debut in a revue titled "A La Broadway," earning praise for her unique style. Over the years, she became known for her sexually confident characters and clever use of double entendres, which made her a prominent figure in American entertainment. Her film career began in the 1930s, and she released several albums, including "I'm No Angel" and "Come Up and See Me Sometime," showcasing her vocal talents alongside her acting prowess.
Personal Life
Mae West's personal life was as colorful as her career. She married fellow vaudevillian Frank Szatkus in 1911, but the marriage was kept secret and later annulled. Throughout her life, she had several notable relationships, including a long-term partnership with her manager, James Timony. Known for her wit and charm, West famously quipped, "Marriage is a great institution. I'm not ready for an institution," reflecting her independent spirit.
Legacy
Mae West's impact on entertainment is undeniable; she was a trailblazer for women in the industry, known for her bold persona and pioneering roles. Her contributions earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. West's career spanned over seven decades, leaving a lasting legacy in both film and music.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Come Up and See Me Sometime - 30 Original Mono Recordings 1933-19542006
- 1.A Guy What Takes His Time2:45
- 2.Easy Rider2:25
- 3.I'm No Angel3:34
- 4.I Found a New Way to Go to Town2:42
- 5.They Call Me Sister Honky Tonk3:02
- 6.I Want You, I Need You2:39
- 7.When a St. Louis Woman Comes Down To New Orleans2:02
- 8.My Old Flame3:14
- 9.Memphis Blues1:38
- 10.Troubled Waters4:16
- 11.He's a Bad Man2:03
- 12.Now I'm a Lady2:08
- 13.I'm an Occidental Woman in an Oriental Mood for Love2:01
- 14.Mister Deep Blue Sea1:51
- 15.Little Bar Butterfly1:35
- 16.On a Typical Tropical Night1:52
- 17.I Was Saying to the Moon2:24
- 18.Willie of the Valley2:24
- 19.Come Up and See Me Sometime2:57
- 20.Frankie and Johnny2:24
- 21.That's All Brother, That's All3:06
- 22.Imaginary Love2:55
- 23.My Man Friday3:01
- 24.Pardon Me for Loving and Running2:46
- 25.Put It Off Until Tomorrow2:30
- 26.Slow Down2:49
- 27.I'm In the Mood for Love3:06
- 28.Love is the Greatest Thing2:26
- 29.If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight2:20
- 30.All of Me2:34
I'm No Angel1996
- 1.I Like a Guy What Takes His Time2:46
- 2.Easy Rider2:27
- 3.I'm No Angel3:38
- 4.I Found a New Way to Do to Town2:45
- 5.I Want You, I Need You2:40
- 6.They Call Me Sister Honky Tonk3:09
- 7.Willie of the Valley2:30
- 8.I Like a Guy What Takes His Time0:59
- 9.Easy Rider2:21
- 10.Frankie and Johnny2:43
- 11.They Call Me Sister Honky Tonk2:38
- 12.That Dallas Man1:24
- 13.I Found a New Way to Go to Town2:07
- 14.I Want You, I Need You3:51
- 15.I'm No Angel1:46
- 16.When a St. Louis Woman Comes Down To New Orleans2:02
- 17.My Old Flame2:06
- 18.Memphis Blues1:38
- 19.Troubled Waters4:15
- 20.He's a Bad, Bad Man2:05
- 21.Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix3:04
- 22.I'm an Occidental Woman in an Oriental Mood for Love2:01
- 23.Mister Deep Blue Sea1:51
- 24.Little Bar Butterfly1:35
- 25.On a Typical Tropical Night1:53
- 26.I Was Saying to the Moon2:25
- 27.Fifi4:39
- 28.Now I'm a Lady2:06
Sixteen Sultry Songs Sung By Mae West "Queen Of Sex"1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
Great Balls of Fire1972
- 1.Great Balls of Fire1:47
- 2.Men2:37
- 3.The Naked Ape3:36
- 4.The Grizzly Bear2:41
- 5.Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On2:50
- 6.Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen2:37
- 7.After the Lights Go Down Low2:03
- 8.Light My Fire3:14
- 9.How Miss West Won World Peace3:40
- 10.Rock Around the Clock2:10
Way Out West1966
- 1.Treat Him Right2:11
- 2.When a Man Loves a Woman2:30
- 3.You Turn Me On2:56
- 4.Shakin' All Over3:00
- 5.If You Gotta Go2:50
- 6.Lover, Please Don't Fight2:10
- 7.Day Tripper2:39
- 8.Nervous2:25
- 9.Twist and Shout2:35
- 10.Boom Boom3:20
- 11.Mae Day1:36
Wild Christmas1966
- 1.Merry Christmas Baby1:51
- 2.Santa Baby3:03
- 3.Santa Come Up to See Me2:24
- 4.Put the Loot in the Boot Santa2:08
- 5.Santa Claus Is Back in Town2:41
- 6.My New Year’s Resolutions2:43
- 7.Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me2:31
- 8.With Love From Me to You2:23
Album of Mae West Songs1950
- 1.Come Up and See Me Sometime
- 2.That's All Brother, That's All
- 3.My Man Friday
- 4.Frankie and Johnnie
- 5.Imaginary Love
- 6.Page 54
Come Up and See Me Sometime
- 1.I'm No Angel3:37
- 2.I Found a New Way to Go to Town2:45
- 3.I Want You... I Need You2:39
- 4.They Call Me Sister Honky Tonk3:01
- 5.A Guy What Takes His Time2:47
- 6.(I Wonder Where) My Easy Rider's Gone2:28
- 7.Sketch: The Garden of Eden (feat. Don Ameche & Edgar Bergen)10:01
- 8.Belle of the Nineties:Paramount Movie Parade(1933): When a St. Louis Woman Comes Down to New Orleans / My Old Flame /Troubled Waters / Memphis Blues8:27
- 9.Sketch: Mae West Meets Charlie McCarthy (feat. Don Ameche & Edgar Bergen)6:18
- 10.Frankie and Johnny2:28
- 11.Come Up and See Me Sometime3:01
- 12.My Man Friday3:04
- 13.Imaginary Love2:55
- 14.That's All Brother, That's All3:06
Easy Rider (I Wonder Where My Easy Rider’s Gone) / I Like a Guy What Takes His Time1933
Tracklist not collected yet.
Love Is the Greatest Thing1954
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Decca
Achievements
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Mary Jane West
American actress, singer, screenwriter, and writer (1893–1980)
Mary Jane "Mae" West 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.
All links
Metrics in detail
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…