Mae West: Six Feet Under

Mary Jane "Mae" West was born on August 17, 1893 in Brooklyn, New York.  In the early 20th Century, she started her show biz career in vaudeville, but with a killer wit and a body to match, it didn't take long for Hollywood to notice.

In a career spanning seven decades, West was a proclaimed actress, comedian, singer and playwright, but was most famous for being one of the first great sex symbols, a badge she wore with honor.  Because of this, she was a controversial figure, who often faced censorship. But she would continue bucking the system itself, later proclaiming "I believe in censorship.  I made a fortune out of it."

I could add five or six paragraphs here discussing her extensive career, her vast fortune, or the men who knew her best.  But that's for someone else's blog.  Let's dish on death.

In August of 1980, West suffered a stroke at her home in Los Angeles.  It left her completely unable to speak, a cruel irony for one known for her husky contralto voice. She died three months later on November 22.  She was 87 years old.   Her face was 20. 

After a private service conducted in Los Angeles, West's family took her back to Brooklyn, where she was laid to rest at Cypress Hills Cemetery.  Her body was interred in the West family crypt within the Cypress Hills Abbey, pictured at right.  There she joined both of her parents and her brother.  Her sister Matilda would complete the family circle just 18 months later.

A word of caution if you go to visit.  Do not go on Saturdays.  The abbey is locked to the public on those days, and unless you're lucky enough to find a security guard who is either sympathetic or not that bright (like I did), you won't get in.  Suffice it to say, Rodney, I owe you big for this one!

Once inside, take the stairs up to the second level.  Turn right and proceed down the hallway, where you'll soon notice this landmark on the floor.  The exact location is Aisle EE, Special Section #2.  Flowers and other tributes are always appreciated.


West was famous for her catchphrase of "why don't you come up and see me sometime," which was somewhat prophetic.  Don't strain your neck eyeing this one.

Here's a closer look.

Next: Who am I?

A comedy legend in a Pittsburgh park, a TV villain with a green question mark.