Stella Stevens
1938-2023
Actress Stella Stevens died this past week at the age of 84. She had been suffering for several years with Alzheimer's disease. Stevens was one of those beautiful, blonde, California-girl type actresses that were so ubiquitous in the 1960's. Her 142 acting credits in IMBD date back to 1959, and include TV series like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bonanza, Hawaiian Eye, Night Court, General Hospital, Highway to Heaven, and, naturally, spots on Love Boat and Fantasy Island. She appeared in dozens of feature films including L'il Abner (where she plays a character named "Appassionata Von Climax"), The Silencers, The Courtship of Eddie's Father, The Nutty Professor, and The Poseidon Adventure. She appeared in films with Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Jason Robards, and Elvis Presley. She worked steadily from 1959 until up into the early 2000's. Her last credit is for something called "Quackers" for 2023 where she presumably is doing voice only work for an animated movie.
All in all, a workmanlike career for a beautiful and talented actress who worked steadily her entire life.
Stella Stevens also appeared in the January 1960 edition of Playboy Magazine as the centerfold Playmate of the Month. It isn't difficult to click the mouse a few times and find that centerfold of Miss Stevens, one that, presumably, helped in the launching of her career. I have never used this forum to pursue prurient interests, but I thought that I would share with you Stella Stevens' centerfold photo as an example as to how mores have changed over the last sixty-plus years.
Send the kiddies out of the room, folks, because here it is....
Yep, that is what passed for hot stuff back in January 1960. You see more skin in perfume ads in women' magazines these days, or while watching beach volleyball during the Olympics, not to mention Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue.
The times surely have a'changed. Whether for better or for worse, is up for each individual to decide.
RIP Stella Stevens
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