Virginia Mayo biography
Virginia Mayo's popularity as a musical comedy star as well as an accomplished dramatic actress and comedienne spans several generations of film and theatergoers. In terms of film (she has starred in over 45 motion pictures), today's youthful audiences are fully acquainted with such great Mayo performances as the tough gun-moll in "White Heat" (opposite James Cagney): the errant young wife in Samuel Goldwyn's "The Best Years Of Our Lives" (which boasted an All-Star cast and captured 9 Academy Awards); the burlesque queen in the delightful musical comedy "She's Working Her Way Through College"; Lady Barbara Wellesley in "Captain Horatio Hornblower" with Gregory Peck and those wonderful musical Comedies she did with Danny Kaye for Samuel Goldwyn.
Virginia was born Virginia Clara Jones in St. Louis, Missouri and got her show business start at the age of six by enrolling in her aunt's "School of Dramatic Expression". Even at the early age of six, Virginia planned to become a star and this determination and natural talent led to a prestigious role with the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company. She soon toured the United States in a musical comedy act called "Pansy the Horse" and changed her last name to Mayo.
Soon after she joined nightclub kin, Billy Roses's new revue at his famed Diamond Horseshoe nitery and was spotted by visiting Hollywood mogul, Samuel Goldwyn. Goldwyn was so impressed with Virginia's talent and beauty that the legendary producer immediately signed her to a contract. During her tenure with Goldwyn Studios she appeared opposite Danny Kaye in a series of totally charming musical comedies. These included "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", "The Kid From Brooklyn", Wonder Man and " A Song Is Born".
Among her personal favorites made for Warner Brothers, where she was that studios top money making star for several years (ans in the national box office Top 10) are "She's Back On Broadway", "She's Working Her Way Through College", opposite her frequent dancing co-star Gene Nelson, "Colorado Territory" with Joel McCrea, the aforementioned "White Heat" and "The Iron Mistress" opposite Alan Ladd. Most were in color, providing the ideal setting for Virginia's hazel green eyes, golden blonde hair, and porcelain complexion.
Virginia has appeared opposite some of the greatest leading men in cinema history. Rex Harrison in "King Richard and the Crusaders", Paul Newman in "The Silver Chalice, Robert Stack in "Great Day in the Morning", Bob Hope in "The Princess and the Pirate", Burt Lancaster in "The Flame and the Arrow", Kirk Douglas "Along the Great Divide" and of course Ronald Reagan in "The Girl from Jones Beach". The list is seemingly endless!
Theatergoers of all ages have delighted in her musical an comedy performances during productions of "No No Nanette", "Barefoot in the Park", "Forty Carats", Hello Dolly", "Butterflies Are Free", "Move Over Mrs. Markham". Prior to his untimely passing, Virginia and her husband , actor Michael O'Shea (of Jack London film fame) co-starred in such hits as "Tunnel of Love, "Ficrello", and "George Washington Slept Here". She has also starred in "Cactus Flower", "How the Other Half Loves". and the musical comedy, "Good News".
Virginia has appeared on many television shows including: Police Story, Night Gallery, Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore and Mike Douglas shows as well as numerous variety specials. Other television appearances include featured roles on Remington Steele, Murder She Wrote, The Love Boat and a 12 episode run on the notorious daytime soap "Santa Barbara". When at home in Thousand Oaks, California, Virginia Mayo pursues her other avocation: Painting , working primarily in oils and watercolors, the three favorite men in her life are her adorable grandsons and she says the role of "loving grandmother" is truly challenging.
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