If you're a fan of B - Movies and Drive - In fare of the 70s then
the name Claudia Jennings isn't unfamiliar to you. Born Mary Eileen
Chesterton on December 20 , 1949 she would sta in flicks like THE UNHOLY
ROLLERS ( 1972 ) , TRUCK STOP WOMEN ( 1974 )
GATOR BAIT ( 1974 ) and THE GREAT TEXAS DYNAMITE CHASE ( 1976 ).
After graduating from high school in 1968 she joined the Hull House
theater company in Chicago while taking a job as a receptionist at
Playboy. There she was discovered by noted photographer Pompeo Posar.
The titian haired beauty with her 5' 6" 35 - 23
- 36 115 lb. measurements was the epitome of Hugh Hefner's " girl next
door " ideal. And she became Playmate of the Month ( Nov. 1969 ) and
Playboy of the Year for 1970.
In 1971 she would make her film debut in fifth billed in JUD , A
small film about a Viet Nam vet returning home at Christmas to a
reception he wasn't expecting. From there she would become a star in
exploitation movies. In 1973 she had a role as a talent
agent on an episode of THE BRADY BUNCH titled " Adios Johnny Bravo ".
Aaron Spelling had wanted Claudia to replace Kate Jackson on CHARLIE'S
ANGELS. But the network was afraid of casting the former Playmate. And
the part went to Shelly Hack.
I always found it funny that Claudia never starred in a movie about women's wrestling. Oh well at least there was the roller derby flick.
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