Bettie Page (April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008) was an American model who became famous in the 1950s for her fetish modeling and pin-up photos. She has often been called the "Queen of pinups". Her look, including her jet black hair and trademark bangs, has influenced many artists. [tweetmeme source="erotixx" only_single=false]

She was also one of the earliest Playmates of the Month for Playboy magazine. "I think that she was a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our society," Playboy founder Hugh Hefner told the Associated Press.

Her later life was marked by depression, violent mood swings and several years in a state mental institution. In the 1960s, she converted to Christianity and served as a Baptist missionary in Angola. After years of obscurity, she experienced a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s and has a significant cult following.

In a 1998 interview with Playboy, she commented on her career:

I never thought it was shameful. I felt normal. It’s just that it was much better than pounding a typewriter eight hours a day, which gets monotonous.

"She had a saucy innocence that is both contemporary and provocative, and also nostalgic."
— Hugh M. Hefner

"She’s the perfect combination of sexuality and sensuality. Like Elvis, Montgomery Clift and James Dean, Bettie Page brought something modern to the Fifties."
— Albert Watson

"Gorgeous with an amazing sense of style! Her magic is transcendent. She’s in our minds like Marilyn Monroe – Forever" — Todd Oldham

Great tribute from Skyblue515 at youtube:

More information about Bettie here:

• Official Site of Bettie Page
• thebettiepage.com web guide to Bettie Page