Mara Corday

Mara Corday Bio

January 3, 1930 / Capricorn / Age 94

Mara Corday is an American-born Playboy model, showgirl, model, actress, and pinup girl. She was born under the sign of Capricorn on January 3, 1930 in Santa Monica, California, United States. Her birth name is Marilyn Joan Watts.

Mara Corday was Playboy Playmate of the Month for October 1958. She was awarded the prestigious title of Playboy Playmate at the age of 28. Her measurements are 35-24-35. Mara Corday has natural breasts, soulful brown eyes, and brown hair.

Mara's journey into the limelight began at the Earl Carroll Theatre in Hollywood, where she first showcased her talents as a dancer in the Earl Carroll Revue. Accompanied by her mother, she auditioned at just 15 years old. During her time in the show, she evolved from a showgirl to an actress in various sketches, marking the beginning of her rise in the entertainment world.

It was during these formative years that she adopted the stage name Mara Corday, a name that lent an exotic air to her persona. "Mara" was inspired by a bongo player who called her Marita, and "Corday" was creatively lifted from a bottle of perfume. This change marked a significant step in crafting her unique identity in the industry.

Mara gained widespread popularity as a pinup girl, gracing the pages of numerous men's magazines throughout the 1950s. Her work as a pinup model solidified her status as an icon of sensuality and glamour, capturing the essence of the era's beauty standards.

In 1956, Mara expanded her career into television, with a recurring role in the ABC series "Combat Sergeant." This transition marked her foray into acting, showcasing her versatility and talent beyond modeling. From 1959 to early 1961, she continued to make her mark on television, with guest spots in series like "Peter Gunn" and "Wanted: Dead or Alive," where she starred alongside Steve McQueen.

Featuring Mara Corday in Playboy Magazine is a nod to her multifaceted career as a showgirl, pinup model, and actress. Her story, from her early days in the Earl Carroll Revue to her success on television and as a model, is a testament to her adaptability, talent, and the enduring charm of a woman who captivated audiences in Hollywood's golden era.