The 100th Anniversary of Bettie Page's Birth

It was on this date 100 years ago that Bettie Page was born in Nashville, Tennessee. I eulogized Miss Page upon the occasion of her death in 2008, so I won't write an in-depth post now. Even so, I do want to say a few words about Bettie Page this evening. Short of a few Golden Age movie stars, there can be no doubt that Bettie Page is the most famous pinup of all time. Indeed, she has been called "the Queen of the Pinups" with good reason. Beyond her enduring popularity nearly seventy years after her pinup career ended, she may possibly be the most photographed woman of all time, with an estimated 20,000 photographs.

Bettie Page would certainly have an impact on popular culture. She had a lasting impact on comic books. I have seen claims that the look of Batman's opponent Poison Ivy was originally inspired by Miss Page, although I have been unable to confirm that. Cliff Secord's love interest in Dave Stevens's comic book feature The Rocketeer, Betty, was based on Bettie Page. Dave Stevens would later meet Bettie Page and the two would become close friends. There would later be Bettie Page comic books, including series published by Dark Horse Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. Bettie Page also had an impact on pop music. It is fairly obvious that Katy Perry took her look (dark hair with bangs) from Bettie Page. And, of course, Bettie Page has inspired songs, including "Bettie Page" by Public Image Ltd. and Royal Crown Revue's song "Port-au-Prince (Travels with Betty Page)." Bettie Page would also have an impact on film. Her look inspired Jenny (as the character of Betty was renamed) in the 1991 film adaptation of The Rocketeer, as well as Rosario Dawson's character in Death Proof (2007). Burlesque model Dita Von Teese has drawn upon Bettie Page for inspiration from time to time. Today Bettie Page's image graces everything from kitchen magnets to Zippo lighters to playing cards.

In tribute to Bettie Page on the 100th anniversary of her birth, here are a few of her classic photos (for those who worry about such things, they are all PG rated).