Here’s a Hollywood icon who’s lived life on her own terms: Mamie Van Doren. Discovered by the legendary—and let’s face it, eccentric—billionaire Howard Hughes, Mamie became a household name as the "bad girl" in films like Untamed Youth in 1957. Her bold, unapologetic approach to life and love made her a star and a role model for generations of women. Mamie, now 89, opens up about her journey in an exclusive interview with Closer. “Playing those bad girls had so much energy and flair,” she says with a laugh. “The goody-two-shoes types? They just didn’t have the same spark.”
At a time when society was still buttoned-up, Mamie was unafraid to live life on her own terms. She had high-profile romances with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Carson. Her fearless attitude toward love and life helped pave the way for women to break free from outdated societal norms. "There were a lot of doors I had to kick open," Mamie recalls. "Back then, it was unheard of for a woman to show her navel! But hey, if anyone was going to do it, it was going to be me."
But Mamie wasn’t just about Hollywood glamour. She gave back in a big way, too. During the Vietnam War, she traveled extensively to entertain U.S. troops. "It breaks my heart to this day thinking about all the men and women we lost," she says, her voice softening. "Some nights, I still dream about the ones who never made it home. It’s something that stays with you forever."
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Scroll down for more of Closer’s exclusive interview with this trailblazing legend.
Did Acting Always Feel Like Destiny?
Mamie grew up in the heart of the Midwest, in South Dakota, where life wasn’t exactly glamorous. "I used to go to the theater and just dream about being up there on the big screen," she shares. "But let’s be honest—I never thought that dream would actually come true. Who knew a girl from the plains would end up a Hollywood star?"
Meeting Howard Hughes: The Good, the Bad, and the Eccentric
Howard Hughes discovered Mamie when she was just 15. "He was definitely one of a kind," she says with a chuckle. "The first thing he asked me was if I was a virgin. I thought, 'No way, that’s not cool.' And let’s not forget how bossy he could be. But hey, that’s Howard Hughes for you."
When Did You Realize You Were a Star?
It wasn’t until Mamie won the Miss Palm Springs pageant that she saw her potential. "I never thought I’d win," she admits. "But then I started noticing how I stood out. I was filling out in all the right places, and I realized maybe I was destined for more than just being a beauty queen. Back then, it wasn’t about being an actress—it was about being a movie star. And that’s exactly what I became."
Was Your Sex Appeal a Blessing or a Curse?
"It absolutely helped my career," Mamie says without hesitation. "But I always knew I could do more than just play the dumb blonde. I wanted to take on roles like Jean Harlow’s. I wanted to show the world that I had depth."
Favorite Role: A Kitchen Scene That Broke Boundaries
"I loved the scene I did with Russ Tamblyn in High School Confidential," Mamie recalls. "It was so sexy, and I still don’t know how it got past the censors. Marilyn Monroe and I were always targets for the censors. We kept them on their toes, that’s for sure!"
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Marilyn Monroe: Friend or Rival?
"Marilyn was just this sweet, adorable gal," Mamie says. "She had her own look, and she worked hard to enhance it. As for rivalry? Not a chance. I was always comfortable in my own skin, and I never felt the need to copy anyone. We both had our own paths to follow."
Frank Sinatra: The Cool Guy with a Heart of Gold
"Frank was such a cool guy," Mamie reminisces. "He did so much good for charity, but the press always wanted to focus on the negatives. Frank was a good soul, and I’m sure he’s up in heaven now, smiling down on all of us."
Why Didn’t It Work Out Between You Two?
"I always thought Frank was too old for me!" she laughs. "I dated Jack Dempsey, who was 55 but had the mind of a 15-year-old. There was a big difference between Jack and Frank. But hey, life is all about timing."
Johnny Carson: A Midwest Match
"Johnny and I went out a lot," Mamie shares. "We’d have dinner at the Rainbow Room, then head back to my hotel to watch his show. He was so down-to-earth, just like me. The only downside? He smoked like a chimney. But you couldn’t exactly tell Johnny Carson to put out his cigarette!"
#MeToo: A Movement with Roots in Mamie’s Era
"I’ve thought a lot about the #MeToo movement," Mamie reflects. "There are some things I question, but I’ve always been behind any woman who’s had a problem. I’ve faced plenty of issues myself. If someone tried anything funny with me, they’d be in for a fight—nails out, kicking, and screaming."
