Joey Heatherton of my youth

Joey Heatherton was a young, taut sex symbol of the 1960s and 1970s who piqued my interest with her risque presence in commercial spots and various other appearances during that time when less was known to me and I was intrigued by much.

Davenie Johanna "Joey" Heatherton was born September 14, 1944 and worked as an actress, dancer, and singer. Those television programs which caught my eye were part and parcel of the variety show formats and serials of the time. She appeared on shows that I likely wouldn't watch these days like Route 66, The Virginian, Mr Novak, Bob Hope specials, I Spy, the Jerry Lewis and Jackie Gleason shows, and a smattering of other musical and dramatic venues from my past.

I was always enamored with her during that time because she was lively and attractive and that was what my television viewing habits were all about. She did many USO tours and that garnered respect from me being the patriotic navy brat that I was in my youth. Her work in feature films was less known to me due to my personal viewing habits of that era. I mostly engaged brief offerings on the tube ... superheroes, horror movies, and cartoons primarily.

She had a troubled marriage which left her emotionally scarred and I am sorry for her difficulties. When you live your life in the public eye it seems like you exist on a microscope slide. Everyone has to know your business. I never pursued a career in the public eye for problematic aspects such as these.

Today is her birthday. She is now 76 while I am 66. This would make her 10 years my senior. Happy birthday and I hope her life became everything for which she had hoped after the turmoil ended.