Virginia Mayo was one of the first names on the producers’ lists in the 1940s to produce all-time hits. Known for her beauty, acting, and dancing, she was a blessing to Hollywood. She delivered hits like The Best Years of Our Lives and The Princess and the Pirate, making her Hollywood journey exemplary!
IN A GIST
- Actress Virginia Mayo had a great height of 5 feet 5 inches or 165 cm.
- Virginia proudly boasted a curvy figure weighing about 52 kg or 114 pounds.
- Mayo passed away in 2005 because of health issues. She was 84 at the time of her passing. Read on to get more details about Mayo’s career, measurements, family, and more.
When Did Virginia Mayo Pass Away?
Iconic actress and dancer Virginia Mayo was 84 years old when she lost her life to severe pneumonia and heart failure on January 17, 2005. She breathed her last in Los Angeles and currently rests peacefully in Westlake Village, California.
Virginia Mayo’s Educational Background
Performing was something Virginia was always willing to do. That’s why she joined a local acting school led by her aunt in St. Louis at the age of just six and learned dancing, too.
Later, young Mayo focused on her education and completed high school at Soldan High School at 17. And she set off on her showbiz journey right after graduating.
Virginia Mayo’s Loving Family
Actress Virginia Mayo was the only daughter of Martha Henrietta Rautenstrauch and Luke Jones, a local reporter for a newspaper.
In 1947, Virginia married actor Michael O’Shea when she was 27. Six years later, they welcomed their first and only daughter, Mary Catherine O’Shea. Mayo also had two step-children from Michael’s first marriage.
The family lived happily together until Michael’s unfortunate death in 1973. Mayo didn’t remarry after that.
A Quick Overview of Virginia Mayo’s Career
Virginia Mayo’s career started as a dancer and actor at The Muny, the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre, in 1937. From there, she got a chance to work with Andy Mayo in the act “Morton and Mayo.”
This is where she got her stage name, Virginia Mayo! Her acting and dancing skills in her big Broadway hit Banjo Eyes caught the eye of producer Samuel Goldwyn.
He got Mayo her big break in Samuel Bronston’s 1943 film Jack London, in which Virginia starred alongside her future husband, Michael O’Shea.
In 1944, the actress got a breakthrough lead role in the box-office hit The Princess and the Pirate, establishing her as one of the leading actresses. Mayo then starred in the Oscar-nominated film The Best Years of Our Lives, reaching new heights!
After this, Virginia graced the industry with many leading and supporting roles in Goldwyn and Warner Bros films, including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, White Heat, South Sea Woman, and more.
Mayo also ventured into the television world, guest-starring in different shows. During her later career, she appeared in a few films and shows in minor roles and mostly did theater. Her last film role was in the 1997 film The Man Next Door.
- Full Born Name: Virginia Clara Jones
- Occupation: Actress, Dancer
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1920
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, US
- Education: Soldan High School
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Father Name: Luke Jones
- Mother Name: Martha Henrietta Rautenstrauch
- Spouse: Michael O’Shea (1947-73)
- Children: Mary Catherine O’Shea
Virginia Mayo’s Height and Weight
Actress-dancer Virginia Mayo was 5 feet 5 inches or 165 cm (1.65 m) tall and possessed a sensational physique with a weight of 52 kg or 114 pounds. As a skilled dancer, Mayo’s flexible and toned frame was one of her striking features!
Virginia Mayo’s Body Measurements and Captivating Looks
Virginia had been dancing since she was about three. As a result, she grew up to boast a ripped and shapely figure. Her youthful body measurements were 34-25-36 inches or 94-64-92 cm, and she possibly used to wear a bra size 32C with a cup size C.
Mayo’s alluring figure, combined with her charming features and acting skills, that’s all that movies needed to succeed! Her dreamy hazel eyes were one of the first things anyone would notice about Virginia!
And her honey-blonde hair styled in shoulder-length curls around her oval-shaped face looked just perfect. Owing to her mesmerizing beauty, she was one of the world’s most beautiful blondes!
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches or 165 cm (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 52 kg or 114 pounds |
| Face Shape | Oval |
| Bra Size | 32C |
| Cup Size | C |
| Figure | Curvy |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-36 inches or 94-64-92 cm |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) or 38 (EU) or 5.5 (UK) |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) or 36 (EU) or 8 (UK) |
| Eyes Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Virginia Mayo’s Net Worth
Classic actress Virginia Mayo had a lucrative career that not only established her as an iconic actress and dancer but also helped her build good fortune. Mayo’s estimated net worth before her passing was around $5 million.
Exciting Facts about Virginia Mayo’s Life
Virginia Mayo has ancestry roots to the founder of East St. Louis, Illinois, Captain James Piggott.
She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Mayo was a writer, too! She released her children’s book, Don’t Forget Me, Santa Claus, in 1993.
What face shape does Virginia Mayo have?
Actress Virginia Mayo had a gorgeous and perfect oval-shaped face.
What is Virginia Mayo’s hair color?
Virginia Mayo was a natural blonde. She sported and rocked many fashionable hairstyles throughout her career.
What color eyes does Virginia Mayo have?
Virginia Mayo had hazel eyes, which synced perfectly with her blonde hair and complimented her skin complexion.
Did Virginia Mayo win Academy Awards?
Virginia Mayo didn’t win any Oscars, but she starred in two Academy Award-nominated films, The Best Years of Our Lives in 1946 and White Heat in 1949.
Did Virginia Mayo sing in A Song Is Born?
No, Virginia Mayo’s voice was mostly dubbed in musicals, including A Song Is Born.
Did Virginia Mayo go to high school?
Yes, Virginia Mayo attended Soldan High School in St. Louis and graduated in 1937. After this, she earned her first acting and dancing job at The Muny.
Virginia Mayo had everything to exhibit herself as one of the best artists. And so she did, as today her name is exemplified! Jayne Mansfield is another iconic actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was a popular Playboy Playmate, popular for her boldness!
