Growing Up
When the future sex-symbol was at the tender age of three, a horrific tragedy struck. Jayne Mansfield’s father, Herbert William Palmer, suffered a heart attack and died. Her mother remarried three years later, and they moved from New Jersey to Texas. Jayne took on the last name Peers because of her loving stepdad, Harry Lawrence Peers.
Photo by Moviestore Collection / Shutterstock
Before becoming a movie star, Mansfield participated in several beauty contests and competitions. She won titles, such as Miss Magnesium Lao and Miss Fire Prevention Week. Yet, the aspiring actress turned down the chance to earn the titles of Miss Roquefort Cheese and Miss Prime Rib. Phew! At least she had her standards.