Janet Pilgrim (model)
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| July 1955 | |
| Preceded by | Eve Meyer |
| Succeeded by | Pat Lawler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charlaine Edith Karalus June 13, 1934 Wheaton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died |
May 1, 2017 (aged 82) Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Measurements |
Bust: 36 in (91 cm) Waist: 24 in (61 cm) Hips: 36 in (91 cm) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| December 1955 | |
| Preceded by | Barbara Cameron |
| Succeeded by | Lynn Turner |
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| October 1956 | |
| Preceded by | Elsa Sørensen |
| Succeeded by | Betty Blue |
Janet Pilgrim (born Charlaine Edith Karalus; June 13, 1934 – May 1, 2017) was an American model who became a Playmate of the Month while employed at Playboy's corporate office. She was chosen as Playmate of the Month three times: July 1955, December 1955 and October 1956.
Miss July 1955
In 1955 Playboy was in its second year of production and had previously used professional models as Playmates.[1] Karalus worked for Hugh Hefner in the subscription department and agreed to pose for the July 1955 episode in exchange for a new addressograph for the office.[1] Hefner reportedly chose the name "Janet Pilgrim" as to make fun of sexual puritanism.[1]
Karalus appeared topless with a tuxedo-clad man reported to be Hefner in the background with his back to the camera.[1] The caption read in part: "We found Miss July in our own circulation department, processing subscriptions, renewals, and back copy orders. Her name is Janet Pilgrim and she's as efficient as she is good looking."[1]
Response
Readers responded well to her appearance as Miss July and sent in letters asking for more Janet Pilgrim.[1] Despite getting offers to model for outside agencies, Janet chose to appear twice more as a Playmate and was listed on Playboy's masthead as head of reader's services department for the next 10 years.[2] Hefner at one point offered a personal phone call from Pilgrim in exchange for enrollment in a lifetime subscription to his magazine.[1]
Pilgrim is said to be the prototype of the "girl next door" approach to Playboy Playmates from that time onward.[2][1] She died in Norwalk, Connecticut, at the age of 82.[3][4]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Watts, Steven (2009). Mr Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 115–116, 128. ISBN 978-0-470-52167-0.
- 1 2 Fraterrigo, Elizabeth (2009). Playboy and the Making of the Good Life in Modern America. Oxford University Press US. pp. 123–124, 230. ISBN 0-19-538610-8.
- ↑ "Rest In Peace, Janet Pilgrim, Playboy's First Girl Next Door". Playboy. May 1, 2017.
- ↑ "Charlaine Whitelaw, 82, formerly of New Canaan". NCAdvertiser. May 2, 2017.