When Mamie Van Doren Met Howard Hughes: “When I Looked, There Wasn’t That Much There”
At 95, the former pinup reflects on her relationships with Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, and Tony Curtis in her candid new book.
At 95 years old, former pinup Mamie Van Doren is sharing the intimate details of her storied life in a candid new memoir titled "You Thought I Was Dead: My Life of Celebrities, Sex, ...". The book features reflections on her encounters with some of the most famous figures of her era, offering a look back at her past relationships during her years in Hollywood.[1][2]
Among the notable relationships detailed in the memoir are her dalliance with the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, her childhood friendship with Marilyn Monroe, and a brief affair with actor Tony Curtis. Reflecting on her meeting with the famous billionaire Howard Hughes, Van Doren famously remarked, "When I looked, there wasn’t that much there."[1][2]
Today, Van Doren has outlived nearly all of her contemporaries from her years in the spotlight. She currently resides in Southern California, where she maintains a peaceful daily routine. Every morning, she walks down to the beach near her home and sits on the same rock with her feet in the Pacific Ocean, noting that the practice "kind of heals" her.[1][2]
