Mae West almost singlehandedly instituted the Hays Code. Actually, her antics brought about demands for the Hays censorship code (which censored lewd and obscene material in Hollywood for years). Mae started out in vaudeville and the stage; only moving to film as she neared her 35th birthday.
She was a versatile entertainer who was absolutely fearless. I think Mae, and some of the later actresses showed American women that they could create their own path to a fulfilling life -- with or without men.
She was a versatile entertainer who was absolutely fearless. I think Mae, and some of the later actresses showed American women that they could create their own path to a fulfilling life -- with or without men.
