Actress and Playmate Jayne Mansfield dies in a tragic car accident
Jayne Mansfield was more than just a Hollywood actress; she was a symbol of glamour and beauty in the 1950s and 1960s. However, on June 29, 1967, tragedy struck as Mansfield’s life was cut short in a devastating car accident. This event not only marked the loss of a beloved star but also brought attention to the importance of vehicle safety.
Jayne Mansfield rose to fame with her captivating beauty and acting talent. She starred in movies like The Girl Can’t Help It and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and became known for her iconic blonde bombshell image. Mansfield was not only an actress but also a singer and a prominent figure in the tabloids of her time.
On that fateful day, Mansfield was traveling from Biloxi, Mississippi, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with her attorney and companion, Sam Brody, and her three children. Their car collided with the back of a tractor-trailer on U.S. Route 90 near Slidell, Louisiana. The thick fog from a mosquito fogging truck obscured visibility, leading to the accident. Mansfield, Brody, and the driver were killed instantly.
The tragic death of Jayne Mansfield shook Hollywood and the world. It not only marked the end of a vibrant career but also led to significant changes in safety regulations. The accident inspired the introduction of the “Mansfield bar,” a safety feature on tractor-trailers designed to prevent cars from sliding underneath in rear-end collisions.
Jayne Mansfield’s legacy continues to live on in entertainment, and her daughter Mariska Hargitay has followed in her footsteps as an actress. The accident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety measures and the lasting impact of tragic events.
More from us: Jayne Mansfield’s Strange Fascination With Satanism
Would you like to see more daily historical content from The Vintage News? What if we sent it directly to your inbox every day? Sign up here to receive our daily Today in History posts.
June 29, 1967, will always be remembered as the day Hollywood lost one of its brightest stars. Jayne Mansfield’s death was not in vain, as it spurred changes that have saved lives on the road. Let’s remember Mansfield for her contributions to entertainment and continue to prioritize safety on our roads in her honor.