Jayne Mansfield was one of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her blonde bombshell persona, curvaceous figure, and charismatic presence. Though she often played up her image as a “dumb blonde,” Mansfield was far more than that, with a sharp mind and a multifaceted career in film, stage, and television. Here are some fascinating facts about the legendary Jayne Mansfield.
1. Jayne Mansfield Had a High IQ
Despite her public image as a stereotypical blonde bombshell, Jayne Mansfield had an IQ of 163. She was fluent in five languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Mansfield attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied dramatics and speech, further dispelling the myth that she was only famous for her looks.
2. A Mother of Five
Jayne Mansfield was not only a Hollywood star but also a devoted mother to five children. Her oldest daughter, Jayne Marie, was born in 1950, and her youngest, Mariska Hargitay, went on to become a famous actress herself, known for her role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Mansfield often balanced her career with her family life, making headlines for her role as both a mother and a sex symbol.
3. She Was a Master at Publicity Stunts
Mansfield was known for her attention-grabbing publicity stunts, many of which helped her become a household name. In 1955, she famously wore a revealing dress to a party thrown by Paramount Pictures in honor of Sophia Loren, leading to one of the most talked-about photographs in Hollywood history. Mansfield understood the power of the press and used it to her advantage, ensuring her name stayed in the headlines.
4. She Won a Golden Globe for Her Talent
While Mansfield was often typecast in comedic or seductive roles, she had genuine acting talent. In 1957, she won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer for her role in The Wayward Bus, which showcased her dramatic abilities. This award demonstrated that Mansfield had more to offer than just her glamorous looks.
5. Jayne Mansfield and the Pink Palace
One of Jayne Mansfield’s most famous possessions was her Beverly Hills mansion, known as the “Pink Palace.” She had the entire house decorated in pink, including a heart-shaped bathtub and pink fur in the bathroom. The mansion became a symbol of her over-the-top, glamorous lifestyle, and it often appeared in media reports as a reflection of her larger-than-life persona.
6. She Was One of the Early Playboy Playmates
Jayne Mansfield was one of the early Playboy Playmates, appearing in the magazine in 1955. Her appearance in Playboy helped cement her status as a sex symbol and brought her significant attention. She was frequently featured in men’s magazines, which helped boost her Hollywood career during the 1950s and 1960s.
7. Her Untimely Death and Lasting Legacy
Tragically, Jayne Mansfield died in a car accident in 1967 at the age of 34, cutting her promising career short. Her death shocked Hollywood, but her legacy as a pop culture icon lived on. She left behind a trailblazing path for future actresses, and her impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today, particularly through her daughter Mariska Hargitay, who has carried on her Hollywood legacy.
Final Thoughts
Jayne Mansfield was more than just a sex symbol of her time—she was a smart, talented, and savvy businesswoman who used her image to her advantage. From her impressive IQ to her flair for publicity and her talent on screen, Mansfield remains one of the most fascinating figures of classic Hollywood. Her influence continues to resonate, not just in pop culture, but also through her children, particularly Mariska Hargitay.
