Ellen Stratton Bio 
Ellen Stratton was an American actress, glamour and nude model. Born Bonnie La Rue Nix on June 9, 1939, in Marietta, Mississippi, she has also been credited as Bonnie La Rue Miller and Bonnie Miller. Playboy named her its December 1959 Playmate at 20. She was later named Playmate of the Year 1960. Her appearance dates from the magazine's formative 1950s, when the Playmate format was still taking shape.
Stratton had natural breasts, blue eyes and blond hair. Her measurements are 35-20-35.
Growing up in the rural South, she developed a grounded and warm personality that would later resonate with fans of Playboy. Her journey to fame began when she moved to California in her late teens to work as a secretary while pursuing better opportunities.
Ellen Stratton was discovered by Playboy scouts while attending a Playboy party in Los Angeles. Her centerfold, photographed by William Graham, captured a classic combination of elegance, innocence, and sensuality that epitomized the magazine's vision during its formative years.
In 1960, Ellen made history when she was named Playboy's first-ever Playmate of the Year. She received a special honor, including a fur coat, as part of her title. Her groundbreaking role set the precedent for future Playmates of the Year and elevated her status as a trailblazer in the modeling world.
Following her time with Playboy, Ellen pursued acting and appeared in small roles in television and film. However, she eventually chose to step away from the entertainment industry to focus on her personal life.
Ellen married and devoted herself to raising a family, enjoying a quieter lifestyle away from the public eye. Despite her departure from the limelight, her contributions to Playboy's history remain a celebrated part of its legacy.
Today, Ellen Stratton's story serves as a reminder of a groundbreaking era in glamour and publishing, with her contributions firmly etched in the legacy of Playboy.
