Mamie Van Doren Opens Up About Hollywood’s Dark Side in New Memoir

Mamie Van Doren, at 95 years old, reveals untold stories from her long career in Hollywood. Her new memoir, You Thought I Was Dead, shares insights into the film industry’s controversial issues, including the casting couch.

“Predatory brutes like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein have been ousted, tried and punished by the #MeToo movement,” Van Doren wrote.
“Women should feel empowered by the support of their sisters.”

Van Doren discusses how powerful men exploited young actresses during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She reflects on her experiences, feeling both used and guilty. Despite these challenges, she states she survived the industry’s darker side.

Her memoir details Hollywood’s exploitation, noting the grim fates of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Stratten. Van Doren survived these hazards but questions the industry’s promises and threats.

Apart from Hollywood, her memoir covers her time entertaining troops during the Vietnam War. She recounts performing in the rain and receiving gratitude from soldiers. She describes feeling out of control amidst the conflict, holding onto her faith for comfort.

Van Doren shares a poignant story about Charlie, a Marine from Toledo. He gave her his lucky Zippo cigarette lighter shortly before being killed in combat, leaving a lasting memory.

In an earlier autobiography, Playing the Field: My Story, Van Doren shared her Hollywood experiences. Recently, she spoke about leaving the industry in the 1960s to avoid its pitfalls. She prioritized a better life for her son, away from Hollywood’s negative influences.

Despite her past, Van Doren embraces her status as a sex symbol, acknowledging it opened many doors in a conservative era. She remarks on her distinctive role during a conservative postwar period and appreciates her unique identity.