“It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean.”

American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright

Mae West was an American actress, singer, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright. Born Mary Jane West, she became a major figure in entertainment in the 20th century and was widely known for her screen presence, her sexually assertive characters, and her distinctive contralto voice. Her career lasted more than seven decades, and she was often linked to censorship controversies. She was known for sharp double entendres and for roles that pushed against the standards of her time. The American Film Institute included her among the top 25 female movie stars of all time, and she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.