American Burlesque Entertainer. Born Fannie Belle Fleming, she was a dancer and comedienne, who was billed as the "Queen of Burlesque" and was also known for her affair with Louisiana governor Earl Long, which was the basis of the 1989 movie, 'Blaze'. As teenager she got on a bus to Washington and landed a job there as a singer in a country band. While working at a donut shop she met a promoter, who persuaded her to become a stripper, saying the pay was better. At 15, she began performing at a club near the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. In 1950, she moved to Baltimore and began performing at 2 O’Clock Club on the Block, the city’s famous strip of adult entertainment shops and stages. In 1954, she gained national recognition when she was featured in Esquire magazine as the successor to Lili St. Cyr on the burlesque circuit. On stage, she often delighted crowds by tucking a rose between her bosom and blowing the petals across her chest. Sometimes she stretched out on a couch and wiggled seductively while removing her garments. In 1959, she met Governor Long, who served in the 1940s and 1950s, while performing in New Orleans. Their open affair lasted from the time they met to Long's death in September 1960, however the relationship didn't mar Long's legacy. Starr co-authored her autobiography in 1974 which was adapted 15 years later into a movie starring Paul Newman as Earl Long and Lolita Davidovich as Starr. She died of a heart-related illness.
American Burlesque Entertainer. Born Fannie Belle Fleming, she was a dancer and comedienne, who was billed as the "Queen of Burlesque" and was also known for her affair with Louisiana governor Earl Long, which was the basis of the 1989 movie, 'Blaze'. As teenager she got on a bus to Washington and landed a job there as a singer in a country band. While working at a donut shop she met a promoter, who persuaded her to become a stripper, saying the pay was better. At 15, she began performing at a club near the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. In 1950, she moved to Baltimore and began performing at 2 O’Clock Club on the Block, the city’s famous strip of adult entertainment shops and stages. In 1954, she gained national recognition when she was featured in Esquire magazine as the successor to Lili St. Cyr on the burlesque circuit. On stage, she often delighted crowds by tucking a rose between her bosom and blowing the petals across her chest. Sometimes she stretched out on a couch and wiggled seductively while removing her garments. In 1959, she met Governor Long, who served in the 1940s and 1950s, while performing in New Orleans. Their open affair lasted from the time they met to Long's death in September 1960, however the relationship didn't mar Long's legacy. Starr co-authored her autobiography in 1974 which was adapted 15 years later into a movie starring Paul Newman as Earl Long and Lolita Davidovich as Starr. She died of a heart-related illness.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
Family Members
Advertisement
