For as long as I can remember I have been enamored with Bettie Page — like so many others. The impact that the sultry, yet sweet, Miss Page made on the world as a pin-up phenomenon cannot be denied. Perhaps it was her seclusive nature over the past half century that added to the mystique of the raven banged beauty. Regardless, she raised “cheesecake” to a bona fide art form with a mixture of innocence and flirtation.
According to her Obituary Press Release posted on the official Bettie Page web site…
Los Angeles, December 11, 2008 – Bettie Page, sweet-smiling legendary 1950s pin-up queen with the killer curves and coal-black bangs, died today of pneumonia at a Los Angeles area hospital. She was 85 years old. She suffered a heart attack one week ago and never regained consciousness. Her popularity as an underground, guilty pleasures phenomenon has continued to soar despite the fact that the reclusive Page disappeared almost a half century ago, leading many to believe that one of the most photographed individuals of the 20th century was already dead.
I can honestly say that Bettie Page served as one of my muses on many occasions. Often when writing female characters, especially strong-willed and sultry femme fatales, I would often imagine Bettie Page in the role of the character. While her hair might be a different color and style the character of Alpha Bettie was created with the pin-up queen in mind — right down to her name.
Hopefully, someday artist and Alpha Bettie co-creator Chris Noeth and I will be able to share the adventures of Bettie Swift of Alpha Squadron with the world. And, when we do it will surly be dedicated to the muse, Bettie Page.
Thank you, Bettie. Gone, but not forgotten.
Dan Taylor Blog 