My blogging buddy Autumnforest at Ghost Hunting Theories ( link ) has written a couple of posts about classic sci fi of the 1950s. Inspire...
Early Life and Career Beginnings Corday’s aspirations for a film career brought her to Hollywood in her teens. She started as a showgirl at the Earl Carroll Theatre on Sunset Boulevard, where her beauty caught the attention of photographers, leading to her first film role in “Two Tickets to Broadway” in 19511.
Rise to Fame Her contract with Universal-International Pictures marked the beginning of her rise in the industry. Corday’s breakout role came in 1955 with the science-fiction hit “Tarantula,” where she starred alongside John Agar and Leo G. Carroll. This film also featured a young Clint Eastwood in a minor role.
Cult Figure and Playboy Playmate Corday became a cult figure in the 1950s, known for her roles in films like “The Giant Claw” and “The Black Scorpion.” Her charm and screen presence led to her becoming a Playboy Playmate in October 1958, further cementing her status as an icon of her time.
Personal Life Mara married actor Richard Long in 1957, and they remained together until his death in 1974. Her marriage and subsequent focus on family life led to a hiatus from acting.
Return to the Screen After a few years, Corday returned to the silver screen with the help of her old friend Clint Eastwood, appearing in his 1977 film “The Gauntlet.” She continued to work with Eastwood, including a memorable role in “Sudden Impact” (1983), where she played the waitress in the famous “Go ahead, make my day” scene.
Legacy Though she retired from acting after her last film in 1990, Mara Corday’s legacy endures. She is remembered not only for her contributions to film but also for her resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Mara Corday’s life story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Hollywood’s classic era, and her work continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans alike.
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