August 4 was the twentieth anniversary of Victor Mature passing away. His only child Victoria Mature asked fans to help her honor his memory. She wants us to “remember him by watching your favorite Vic movie or sharing your favorite memories, movies and stories from his life and career”.
I decided to search the Lantern’s collection of vintage film magazines to learn something new about the man. I came across an amazing quote from Victor’s third wife Dorothy Stanford Berry. They were married from 1948–1955. In total, Mature was married five times and had two broken engagements. His final marriage with Loretta Sebena (from 1974 until his death) produced Victoria. Obviously women were attracted to the Hollywood hunk on and off the screen, and Dorothy helped explain his magnetism.
In the January 1955 issue of Photoplay, she was quoted “just after their marriage” as saying:
“It’s a little frightening and exciting all at once to find yourself in love with a man like Victor. It’s a little like having a benign whirlwind hit you and settle down to stay. He isn’t just the kind of person you can meet–say on vacation–have a summer romance with, and put out of your mind and life when summer’s over. Once you love someone like Vic, he fills up your whole world–your thoughts, your heart, your life.”
jack fuller
Great actor. Personal favourites Violent Saturday and playing Doc Holliday in My Darling Clementine. Must watch anew
Lou Steinberg
I’ve been Major fan of Vic’s every since people thought I looked like him, about 58yrs.
I’ve got 55 of his movies on VHS over the almost last 6 decades. I feel like I’m related to him
since I knew so much about him. My favorite was Sampson. Will always be a fan. (Lou Steinberg)
Victoria Mature
Thank you for taking the time to remember, and to write and learn more about, Victor Mature on his heavenly birthday!
Much appreciated!
It’s interesting just how much of his life my Dad had already lived before I came along…
Lucky for me, most of Victor Mature’s escapades, in those years before he was my father, were well-chronicled by the media…it’s given me the opportunity to catch up on my VM history and gossip and chronology…while still having all the private memories of growing up with my Dad stay private…unless I chose to share them…a rare gift!
Thanks, again! 😉