Actress Tura Satana died yesterday in Reno, Nev., according to the New York Times. Satana appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Billy Wilder’s 1963 film Irma la Douce. The colorful and curvaceous actress also worked as an exotic dancer and once turned down a proposal of marriage from Elvis Presley. But it was her role as the sexy, violent Varla in Russ Meyer’s 1965 film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! which would ultimately turn her into a cult icon as, over time, the movie acquired an army of diehard fans. John Waters once described the film as ”the best movie ever made, and possibly better than any movie that will ever be made.”
“A woman, like my character, was able to show the male species that we’re not helpless and not entirely dependent on them,” Satana said of Varla, in 2008. “People picked up on the fact that women could be gorgeous and sexy and still kick a–.”
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Awwww. Love her. Love the movie. RIP.
how old was she!? let me star in the reboot teehee!
May her soul rest in peace.Ameen
May she rest in peace.
She will be missed. I really loved the movie and how she played her character.
Long live the Queen of the Ds. Tura, your legacy is a forever one.
Very sad news. My sympathies to her family and friends.
There will never be another! RIP Tura.
It’s a sad day for fans of Boobsploitation films.
Thank you for sharing your art
Rest in Peace
One of the first real kick-*** chicks out there. Sad to hear.
so kick ass RIP Tura
These topics are so confusing but this hleepd me get the job done.
This movie introduced me to the amazingness of Russ Meyer. Tura made this movie what it is. Sad to hear she’s passed away.
Just wanted her fans to know, she was a touch cookie in real life too, My heart and prayers go out to her daughters and grand children. Tura, i know we didnt always agree, but i was always proud to know you.
RIP Tura— you are pure class, Lori—I didn’t really cry until I read your post. Much love
God Bless you Lori! Mom knows you were always a class act and a friend (despite some differences). Hugs and love from our family to you and yours.
Tura was amazing! No one like her, ever.
She brought a truly indelible character to life. RIP Tura.