Joi Lansing

Joi Lansing was the screen name of Joyce Wassmansdoff, born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 6, 1928. A buxom blonde model and actress, Lansing was often cast in roles similar to those played by contemporaries Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren.

Her earliest work was as a model, and she began her film career in 1948. In 1952, she played a uncredited role in the MGM blockbuster "Singing in the Rain." On television she appeared on "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok," "I Love Lucy," and "The Beverly Hillbillies" in a recurring role.

Later movie roles included a part in 1967's "Hillbillies in a Haunted House."

She starred in short musical films for the Scopitone video-jukebox system, which anticipated MTV by decades. Some of these films, particularly "The Web of Love," have gone on to become camp classics.

She died of breast cancer.