Blaze Starr

Bio:
Blaze Starr (born Fannie Belle Fleming on April 10, 1932 in Wayne County, West Virginia) was an American stripper and burlesque comedienne. The second eldest of 11 siblings, Blaze grew up near Wilsondale, West Virginia, before leaving home at age 14. She moved to DC, where a Red Synder, a promoter, discovered her. Red convinced Blaze to start stripping when she was just 15. She relocated to Baltimore in 1950 to perform at the Two O’Clock Club. She gained national renown due to a profile in the February 1954 issue of Esquire magazine. Baltimore remained her home base as she travelled to perform at clubs across the country. Blaze often performed on stage with dangerous cats and theatrical flourishes that made her stand out. Her trademark routine was The Exploding Couch. Her performances often resulted in her arrest, due to lewdness. She was featured in the 1956 movie, Buxom Beautease, but she left her mark on pop culture with the 1989 movie, Blaze. Adapted from her memoir, Blaze was portrayed by Lolita Davidovich and Paul Newman was cast as Louisiana governor, Earl Long. Blaze semi-retired in 1975 to become a full-time gemologist. She passed away in her home on June 15, 2015.

Best Known For:
Blaze Starr is best known as an American stripper and burlesque star, whose life was made into the 1989 biopic, Blaze.

Personal Life:  
Blaze was in the process of divorcing club owner, Carroll Gloriosa, when she met Gov. Earl Long. The two began a long-term affair up until his death in 1960. Some of Blaze’s costumes and memorabilia have been displayed in the Museum of Sex in New York City and the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.