Mae West: Dan Vadis

MAE WEST hired several extraordinary men for her "Mae West Revue" and, if she was looking for a Greek god type, she found it. On 27 June 1954, Mae West launched her innovative show at the Sahara Hotel in Vegas (built in 1952).
• • In 1957, this innovative sold-out stage show, which had toured from coast-to-coast, would close in Las Vegas — — again at the Sahara.
• • Born in Shanghai, China in the month of January — — on 3 January 1934 — — Dan Vadis was 20 years old when he broke into show business. The six-foot-four athlete was friends with Gordon Mitchell [1923 — 2003], who had joined Mae's famous bodybuilder troupe along with Mickey Hargitay, Richard DuBois, Reg Lewis, Zabo Koszewski, etc. and made the proper introductions. [Sources that give a birthdate as January 1938 must be incorrect since Dan Vadis would have been only 16 years old in 1954.]
• • Of Greek descent, his birth certificate read Constantine Daniel Vafiadis and his build packed just as much heft as his name. In 1962, the muscular newcomer was cast in the starring role as Hercules in the sword-and-sandals classic "Colossus of the Arena" and its sequel.
• • Vadis made 27 motion pictures that made use of his impressive physique between 1962 — 1983, including a number of Clint Eastwood's tough guy spectacles such as "High Plains Drifter" [1972], "The Gauntlet" [1977], and "Bronco Billy" [1980].
• • Sad to say, handsome Dan Vadis died of a drug overdose on 11 June 1987 in wretched circumstances. He was 49 years old.
• • Patrick Sullivan Burke [1917 — 1994] • •
• • Mae West worked with many colorful cast mates in "Sextette" [1978] including one gentleman who died in early January.
• • Born in the USA on 20 May 1917, Patrick Sullivan Burke often was placed in fantasy roles. His first role was as a leprechaun in "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" [Walt Disney Productions, 1959]. Over the years he appeared in a dozen projects for TV and the big screen, cast variously as a witch, a soldier, a bartender.
• • In "Sextette" [1978], he played a live human being, namely the Irish Delegate. The same year he was seen in "Lord of the Rings" and he played the Head Angel on an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" before retiring.
• • Patrick Sullivan Burke died in Las Vegas in the month of January — — on 3 January 1994. He was 76 years old.
• • On 3 January 1870 in Brooklyn • •
• • In one motion picture, Mae West played a shady lady who was trying to sell the Brooklyn Bridge to a foreigner. It was during the month of January — — exactly 140 years ago — — that the complex construction began [on 3 January 1870]. Completed over a dozen years later, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge was opened for use on 24 May 1883.
• • In January 1930 • •
• • Colonel Joy (a Will Hays appointee who read scenarios and scripts) began attending Mae West's stage performances in Los Angeles, and then he advised against employing her as a member of Universal's writing staff as early as January 1930.
• • In Movie Classic, January 1934 • •
• • One of the best Hollywood interviewers Ruth Biery wrote a lengthy article, "The Private Life of Mae West" and Part One was printed in the fan magazine Movie Classic, their January 1934 issue. Her 3-part series is a must read.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "The best way to hold a man is in your arms."
• • Mae West said: "To catch a husband is an art — — to hold him is a job."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A brief bit on actresses mentioned Mae West.
• • World Features Syndicate wrote: It used to be rare that actresses used their real names, thinking that for one reason or another they would not sell tickets. But here are eight who did:
• • 1. Mae West; 2. Elizabeth Taylor; 3. Ingrid Bergman; 4. Olivia de Havilland; 5. Glenda Jackson; 6. Sally Field; 7. Jane Fonda; 8. Gina Lollobrigida
• • Source: Feature: "Real Names" written by World Features Syndicate; published on 22 March 1991
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2165th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • in 1954 at the Sahara • •
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