June Wilkinson: The “Bosom” Who Captivated an Era
This article details the life and career of June Wilkinson, a model and actress who rose to prominence in the late 1950s and 1960s, largely due to her striking physical attributes. Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
early Career & Rise to Fame:
Windmill Theater: Wilkinson began her career at the Windmill Theatre by 1950, known for its risqué revues.
“The Bosom“: She gained important attention and the nickname “The Bosom” due to her ample bust. This led to widespread photography and recognition.
Playboy: Wilkinson appeared in Playboy magazine five times in 1960,solidifying her status as a pin-up girl.
Film Career:
Early Roles: Her film debut was a small, uncredited role in Russ Meyer’s The Immoral Mr Teas (1959). Meyer, having previously photographed her for Playboy, encouraged her to pursue acting.
Notable Films: She appeared in Macumba Love (1960), where her measurements (advertised as 44-20-36, though she later stated they were 40-22-35) were prominently featured. She also starred in The Bellboy and the Playgirls (1962).
Image & Comparison: Wilkinson embraced her image and was often compared to Jayne Mansfield, representing the “pneumatic blonde bombshell” archetype of the era.personal Life & Relationships:
Embracing Attention: She was comfortable with the attention her physique garnered, stating she felt “blessed” by it.
Elvis Presley: Wilkinson had a memorable encounter with Elvis Presley in 1958, recounting a two-hour serenade after revealing she was a virgin.
Other romances: She dated several prominent figures, including Mickey Rooney, Paul Anka, and George Harrison.
Marriage: she married Dan Pastorini, a football quarterback, in 1972.
The article is accompanied by two images: one of Wilkinson in a feather showgirl costume from her time at the Windmill Theatre, and a poster for the film The Bellboy and the Playgirls.
