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Virginia Mayo Obituary
Mayo, who had been in failing health, died of pneumonia and heart failure, according to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported her death on its Web site.
"She passed away this afternoon," longtime friend Mary Walsh told The Associated Press.
Her honey blond hair and creamy, flawless face made Mayo ideal for the Technicolor musicals, westerns and adventures that were the rage in Hollywood in the 1940s and '50s.
Starting as a chorus girl, she quickly advanced to co-star status, appearing opposite Hope in "The Princess and the Pirate" in 1944. She went on to make five films with Kaye before signing a contract with Warner Bros., where she became one of the studio's biggest stars.
When she signed the contract, Warner Bros. issued an effusive press release that concluded: "At 115 pounds she is potentially as valuable as an acre of land in downtown Los Angeles- and at least several times more desirable."
Mayo did indeed become a valuable property for Warner Bros., appearing in five movies in 1949 alone. She also starred opposite Reagan in the romantic comedy "The Girl from Jones Beach" that year and again in the 1952 musical "She's Working Her Way Through College."
She made three films with Walsh's late husband, the legendary director Raoul Walsh. They were "Captain Horatio Hornblower," "Colorado Territory" and "White Heat."
"She was an awfully nice lady," Walsh recalled. "She was very kind and very thoughtful. She was always on the set on time. She never held up production. She always knew her lines.
"She was beautiful in pictures, but she was even more beautiful in person," Walsh continued. "I guess maybe it was because she was so good inside."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
81 Entries
john barlow
March 29, 2021
THE best actress from the golden age of hollywood. Her performance in the secret life of walter mitty was superb. So much talent and a stunningly beautiful woman
Ruby Romano
February 13, 2021
Looking back on a special moment. My husband and I were fortunate to meet Virginia Mayo while she was on a trip to Sydney Australia.
A Luncheon was held at the home our friends Dana and Jack Dellalian Bayview NSW.
The meeting was nostalgic for me as she was my mother Nellie Daphne Danns favourite actress.
Such a very nice down to earth person. She displayed an interest in all.
I still have a special memory and photos of an unexpected meeting of a lovely person.
Thinking of you and your family. Ruby Romano Sydney Australia 14 Feb 2021
John Stevens
September 23, 2019
One of the best, if not THE BEST, actresses of all time. She made every role a classic. Never tired of watching any of her movies.
Daryn Worley
January 17, 2018
Dear family of Ms.Virginia Mayo,
My name is Daryn and i am very sorry for your loss may the god of comfort comfort you.
How you can show support
Rose Weber
December 1, 2017
CurrenT TCM pictures a reminder if her beauty and style.
She is timeless.
There was only ONE Virginia Mayo
She,will live,as long as her films snown,and younger generation can appreciate who she was
Kevin Johnson
November 30, 2017
God Bless her and condolenses to her family
Tommy Thompson
May 14, 2017
I'm embarrassed to say this. Incredibly I only recently "discovered" Virginia Mayo through the miracle of TCM and I am now in the process of viewing her entire film and television career. May she rest in peace content in the knowledge that she brought so much enjoyment to the world through her amazing career. She was a very special actress and from what I have read a very gracious and genuine person.
Brennen Garcia
March 10, 2017
I will missed you. Rest in Peace.
August 20, 2015
great actress. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always -
Bill (Orlando Florida)
Anonymous
July 6, 2015
My favorite actress when I was a child. I really don't think she got the credit she deserved as a actress.
Harry Simpson
January 17, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
karen sharp
September 8, 2013
I have loved her in films for years, she made me feel good to watch her on screen. My favourite is her first film "The Princess and the Pirate", I watch it all the time, it always cheers me up, her inner and outer beauty just shone through. Karen (U.K.)
Ruby Dann Romano
July 5, 2013
I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Virginia at the home of my friends, Jack and Dana Dallalian in Sydney Australia.
A very warm nice woman.
As she was my mothers favorite actress this was a very special occasion that
I will always treasure the memory of
Ruby Dann Romano Australia
A Murphy
April 22, 2013
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL,BEAUTIFUL,WOMAN. SHE WAS ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE ACTRESS. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
Collene Kennedy
March 19, 2013
She had such vitality on the screen that I am almost certain it was real for the reels. Much warmth to her family.
Sweetspirit
September 26, 2012
She will always be miss I find it sad that she ended up passing away in a nursing home, she was a beautiful and great actress
sidney mansdorf
February 6, 2010
a very beautiful, under-rated actress who glowed on screen -the epitome of a movie star in the golden era of film.
Miracle
May 29, 2008
I'm sorry to hear about your loved one, I would love to share a scripture to the family at John11:25 Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life, he that exercises faith in me even though he dies, will come to life.
Fouad Sheikhly
February 18, 2008
What a great actress she was.I loved and respect her.I saw most of her films in Baghdad/Iraq.
May God blessing her soul.
camille edward sfeir
December 11, 2007
VIRGINIA WAS MY FAVORITE IN THE FIFTIES - WHEN I WAS TEN.. SHE BEARS THE NAME OF MY MOTHER BUT SURELY I LIKED HER NOT LIKE A MOTHER. MY FAVORITE FILM THE IRON MISTRESS I KEEP AND WATCH ETERNALLY
anthony donofrio
November 23, 2007
a truly great leading lagy. was great as the half-breed in COLORADO TERRITORY. You will be missed.
Margaret Blake
September 26, 2007
I am so sorry to hear today of the death of Miss Mayo. I loved all Virginia's films as did my dad. She was our all time favourite, and gave us such pleasure in the gloomy days of fifties England.
God Bless her. Margaret Blake
slavisha
September 19, 2007
i love you virginia forever until when i first soow.
Ophelia Lopes
August 13, 2006
Born on the forties, I remember Miss Mayo at "The best years of our lives" and "The Princess and the pirate".She was real talent and a stunning blonde woman. I really loved her. Even today I and my husband we like to watch old movies like the ones mentioned above.
Your memory will be always treasured by our fans.I'm one of them, today and forever.
Scott B
May 8, 2006
She was so beautiful. Her beauty and charm will live forever. I loved her in Captain Hornblower. She blessed us.
frank casey
March 28, 2006
great www.loughreesubaqua.com
molly o'shea
March 2, 2006
I wish that I had the chance to meet her. Michael O'Shea was my grandfather and it would have been an honor to meet my step-grandmother.
Vera Charles
January 3, 2006
Au Revoir
Tyise Gray
February 3, 2005
My condolences to the family and friends of this beautiful lady. I remember her well. Because of her career, those that love her can see her in film and memories will overflow. Our Creator never intended that we lose those we love and he will rectify that very soon. At that time, "No resident will say, I am sick". Isaiah 33:24.
Sickness and death will be a thing of the past. (Revelation 21:3-4) Take care
R.M. Weber
February 1, 2005
Virginia Mayo represents me what a
MOVIE STAR was all about.
She was good at her acting craft.
She made it look easy,a credit to
her ability as an actress.
I knew her only through her movies-wish I had known her personally.
A BEAUTIFUL LADY in every sense of the word.
Deepest sympathy to her family.
Oliver Penn
January 29, 2005
Virginia Mayo was one of my favorite movie stars. I can still remember sitting in the dark and watching coming attractions of her films with the voice over saying, "...and starring the beautiful, Virginia Mayo!" Her lovely face would appear and a chill would go down my back.
A few years ago, I saw her on Joe Franklin in NY and she said, "I was a better actress than they ever gave me credit. It was always about how I looked, not how well I acted." She was correct. Every obit I read talks about her beauty, but some do realize that two of her great performances were overshadowed by her looks: "White Heat" and "The Best Years of Our Lives," both which deserved Oscar nominations for Miss Mayo.
I will applaud when they show her face on the Oscars next month. To Virginia, "you WERE loved."
ANNA PACE
January 24, 2005
I LOVED MISS MAYO IN THE FILM "THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES".
SHE WAS SO TALENTED AND SO BEAUTIFUL. AFTER I HEARD OF HER DEATH I RE-PLAYED THE VIDEO IN
TRIBUTE TO HER. I ADMIRED HER SO.
GOD REST HER SOUL.
Ben Beekman
January 23, 2005
We movie-goers are terribly saddened by the passing of this beautiful and talented woman.
Growing up in the 1940's, I was delighted by her performances when co-starring with Danny Kay, especially the Walter Mitty and Song is Born films.
She was truly one of a kind and will always be remembered in our hearts.
Victoria Streand
January 22, 2005
Virginia Mayo never failed to light up the screen in any movie she was in, to look at her is mesmerizing. She will live on in her movies and in the hearts of those who cared for her. My prayers to her family.
Richard Copenhaver
January 22, 2005
Beauty, grace, joy and above all class. As I approach 66, I realize how much the entertainment world has changed. Entertainers such as Ms. Mayo presented such a wholesome and positive image for all those attended the movies. We of my generation will miss her greatly.
Deb Werth
January 21, 2005
So sorry to hear about Ms. Mayo's passing. I loved her movies w/Danny Kaye. She was a lovely person. We'll miss her here in St. Louis...
KENNETH MCMILLAN
January 21, 2005
WHAT A SAD DAY...MS MAYO WAS SUCH A GOOD ACTRESS..KEN MCMILLAN
KAREN PHILIPP
January 21, 2005
WHAT A WONDERFUL LADY AND ACTRESS
YOU WERE.WISH THERE WERE MORE LIKE YOU.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
YOUR MOVIES WERE GREAT,JUST AS YOU WERE.GOD BLESS YOU.REST IN PEACE.
Phyllis Short
January 21, 2005
Virginia Mayo was one of my favorite movie stars. She was so beautiful I used to dream I would look like her. My condolenses to the Mayo family
donald credle
January 21, 2005
I have always enjoyed Miss Mayo's films....my deepest condolences & prayers to her family and friends...another bright star is dimmed.
K.L. Adams
January 21, 2005
Virginia Mayo was a beautiful woman and memorable actress. She lifted the hearts of many a weary soul. I enjoyed her films, and have long missed her presence on the screen. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I extend my sympathy to her family and loved ones.
Todd Marciniak
January 21, 2005
A TRUE CLASS ACT. GLAMOUR AND TALENT AND BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. I MUST THANK YOU!
Rest in Peace,
A true fan,
Todd Marciniak
Dayton, Minnesota
[email protected]
Dolores Mayo Forshey
January 20, 2005
Virginia was a wonderful star and a light for all young girls in her day if there are heros she was mine . she will be remembered .
Kathy Spillman Richey
January 20, 2005
An incredibily talented lady now graces Heaven. I am sure she will be enjoyed there as she was here on earth. God Bless her loved ones and friends and may God ease your pain.
Sandy Castor
January 20, 2005
I was born in 1934, Granite City, IL, and going to the movie theater was a big deal. I grew up loving your movies. You were a true movie star, a lot of class. When we moved to West Los Angeles in 1945, I lived in the Village, hoping I would see you on the street some day. They do not make stars like you anymore.
God Bless you,
Sandy Castor
Jerry Langley
January 20, 2005
I am saddened to hear of Ms Mayo's passing. What a class lady from an era when beauty & talent ruled the movie world. God has called home another beautiful angel to further his works in Heaven. You will truly me missed by many you have left behind. Prayers to the family. May God Bless You All!
Elmira Pitchford
January 19, 2005
I've enjoyed watching the movies in which Ms. Mayo performed. I'm from the old school, over 50's club, and remember her well. She was always beautiful and elegant. Ms. Mayo will be missed by all. To the family: be strong.
Dennis Psoras
January 19, 2005
Being a teen-ager in the late 1940's Virginia Mayo was one of my favorite actresses when Hollywood had class and meaning . A STAR amongst stars , a beautiful lady who brought joy to a young man's heart . Condolences to your family , and from many of us , your " extended family " , who miss you too . Having some quality time on my hands I recently bought " The Best Years of Our Lives " . Memories that it brings back from the war years . What a privelege to have lived in the same era as Virginia Mayo .
Marlene Schoedler
January 19, 2005
I was born in 1941. My cousin, Jean, used to take me to the movies in Northampton, PA. I remember that we had to walk what seemed like a long way across a bridge that suspended over a river. I thought it was the greatest adventure. BUT, the greatest was the first time I realized what a truly beautiful woman would look like to me. It was Virginia Mayo. My, she stood out all my life as as "eye candy". I also grew to have blue eyes and blonde hair and not too hard on the eyes. I always liked to think I looked just like HER. That's my memory of her. Thank you Virginia !
marion St Jacques
January 19, 2005
To the family of Ms Mayo. Just remember there are people who really care and are thinking of you in the loss of such a beautiful lady.. I watch her in the old movies everytime she is on.
Millie Gwaltney
January 19, 2005
One of a kind.Heaven is a much, much,beautiful place!
Irene Sullivan
January 19, 2005
My Deepest sympathy to Virginia Mayo's family. You brought me much enjoyment in the years you did movies. I thank you Miss Mayo ,a wonderful talented actress Rest in Peace
Joanne G Martin
January 19, 2005
I was so sadden to hear of Virginia Mayo's passing. I love her as a actress. Remembered her in Jones Beach with Ronald Reagan.
She was very gracious, real, and had so much class. Will miss you.
My prayers to her family. You were one of my favorite actresses.
BILL
January 19, 2005
THE PRINCESS AND THE PIRATE, THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIFE,AND WALTER MITTY,WHAT ELSE COULD I SAY EXCEPT GOD BLESS HER AND FAMILY. MY GOD WHAT A LOOKER SHE WAS,IN A CATAGORY ALL TO HERSELF.
Al Mo
January 19, 2005
Haven't seen or heard much about Virginia over the years, but I remember her well. Hope she had a good life after she starred in the movies.
Daniel Woodruff
January 19, 2005
I have always had a tender spot in my heart for Miss Mayo. She was so real and so touching on the big screen. I will continue to enjoy her performances for years to come and will remember her fondly.
R Livingston
January 19, 2005
I love old movies,and she is one of the actress's I like to watch. My condolences goes out to her family. May her family find comforting words in the Bible to help them endure.
Joe L.
January 19, 2005
Take me home to Mayo, I'm in love with you.
Terry Murphy
January 19, 2005
What a great actress. I loved her in Captain Hornblower and in a western which excapes my name now but she was great in both movies. I am sorry to hear that she has passed away.
From a middle aged fan.
Donna Champion
January 18, 2005
Virginia Mayo was every young girl's dream. We all wanted to
be like her. She was so special.
As long as we from the 40's live,
she will live also. May she be
uncompromisingly happy now that
she is at home. We will always
love her for what she gave.
jocelyn cool
January 18, 2005
i was saddened by the passing of virginia mayo ever since i was a child ive always loved movies those black and white ones were special because they paved the way for todays films and its stars were really stars and virginia mayo was one of the best beautiful classy elegant and talented we movie lovers thank you virginia for all youve given us i know that when virginia mayo came face to face with god he welcomed her into heaven as a reward for all the enjoyment she gave us her adoring fans
Renato L Recio de Quesada
January 18, 2005
Rest in peace a beautiful and nice actress who gave us good times watching her movies.
Joe Noda
January 18, 2005
Before I move to Florida I do remember I recorded a magnificent film where my favorite Lady Miss Mayo, play a bad girl "The Iron Mistress" with the unforgetable Alan Lad. She will live forever in my heart. I'm a 72 yrs. old man, I do remember most of her films. God bless her soul.
Lorne Perreault
January 18, 2005
One Of A Kind: What a pretty blond,she was. I remember going to the movies in the 50's There she was in a western with Randofh Scott. Well I fell in love with her,and who would not? She had talent and gourgious, Whow!
Sarah Sadigh
January 18, 2005
I was saddened to hear this morning the passing of Ms. Mayo. I am 39 yrs. old, but also love B&W films from the 40's. My absolute favorite among them is "The Best Years of Their Lives" from 1946. What a believable and wonderful performance she gave (a spoiled and conniving wife to G.I. Dana Andrews).
Now that she is gone, I hope TCM and AMC will play her best films as a tribute for all to enjoy her talent. I'll be right there with a glass of lemonade and a bowl of popcorn... My sincere and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. We have lost another beautiful leading lady from Hollywood's Golden Age. There will never be another one like her...
Janet Fricke
January 18, 2005
My deepest condolences to Ginny's daughter and "grands". Having seen all of her films, this lady could do anything! Just recently, I saw a rerun of "Murder She Wrote" where she portrayed the wardrobe mistress for a play. She still looked as lovely as ever. I am saddened to hear of her passing.
God Bless.
fred webster
January 18, 2005
She was a very fine actress, I was only a youngster back in the fourties but remember her as being a wonderful person.
Tonie Wiley
January 18, 2005
Our love and prayers go to her daughter and family. There were a lot of blondes in hollywood in the 40's but NONE like your Mom. Her smile and the tilt of her head would always catch your eye and the more you watched..the more you admired. The heaven's have dimmed today and we weep with you. God Bless you and yours.
The Wiley's of Ohio
Jan Love
January 18, 2005
I am saddened by the passing of Virginia Mayo. I really loved her movies especially in the movie Walter Mitty with Danny Kaye. She was so graceful and she is the perfect example of what Hollywood needs to be today. Grace, beauty and dignity..these are what I think of when I think of her. God bless her family.
Wanda Tartt
January 18, 2005
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Mayo. I've loved watching her movies and adored her in "White Heat". She was a great actress who came across as being a warm and caring person. I pray that God will uphold her family in their grief.
Stan Kunka
January 18, 2005
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Mayo. This is the first time I have posted a comment on your site. Ms Mayo’s Beauty, which is only overshadowed by her Talent, will live forever in the character of (Marie Derry) Best Years of Our Lives (1946). I am not a wise man or a film critic, but I believe she will be immortalized in this S.Goldwyn and W. Wyler Masterpiece. This intimate portrayal of my Mother and Father’s generation’s triumph of will and self sacrifice will always move my soul and bring me to tears. Ms. Mayo has made this world a better place and will forever live in our hearts. Thanks, and God Bless you Virginia!!
dorca del rosario
January 18, 2005
I just want to say that I'm 36 yrs. old and I love old movies in black & white and I remember watching Ms. Mayo and Ronald Reagan working together. She always looked beautiful like the rest of the other actors & actresses. The best movie actors are those from the 40s,50s, and 60s and you my lady is one of them. You will be miss and your legend will keep on through your movies. God bless you and thank you for leaving us such beautiful memories
rhonda nieweglowski
January 18, 2005
virgina, god bless to your friend,family,& fans
sincerely rhonda
LINDA TRACY
January 18, 2005
SUCH A CLASSY LADY IN HER TIME. GOD BLESS YOU.
Ruth Clark Bradley
January 18, 2005
A beautiful lady,with class.
Barrie Milton
January 18, 2005
Darling Ginny,
You often remarked that you'd only made 1 or 2 memorable films. You were so wrong. People will forever rediscover the precious gems you left behind. Why the other night I watched an episode of 'Night Gallery' where you squared off with a young Patty Duke. You were wonderful!
My personal fave is 'Castle Of Evil' where you steal the proceedings from Hugh Marlowe and that hideous harridan from 'Will & Grace'. You are and will forever be a Legend!
My sympathies go to your daughter and grandsons who I know you lloved very much. You will be sorely missed.
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