Sometimes my interest in a celebrity will come about simply because of an image. Whether it be a photo in a movie book, the cover of an album or a picture that I found in a collection that I bought. Such is the case with Monique Van Vooren. 

This headshot of her that I bought in a collection of stills always intrigued me. And then I came across her album, and who can resist that cover and the title of "Wi-Fi in Mink".  I'm total sucker for glamorous blondes, even if their claim to fame is dubious.  

In the case of Monique, it was interesting to note that when I went through my files I found that I had cut out articles in the newspaper about her being charged for cashing her dead mother's Social Security checks. I cut out these articles at the time simply because she was famous but I had no idea who she was or that I would end up using them someday. The fraudulent activity that she engaged in is now part of her Wikipedia entry. 

I also had to get her torrid novel, night sanctuary, simply because it was way more sexual than Scruples or other side of midnight and had the incredible back cover photo with her cat-eyed blondeness. 

When I added multiple signed index cards by Monique  Van Vooren to my collection I was also delighted by an autograph that matched Monique's exotic looks.  Her signature is unique, artistic, and immediately identifiable. Side note - it is also hard to forge because of its intricacies. 

Ultimately I finally saw Monique on film in flesh and Frankenstein, also known as Andy warhol's Frankenstein. It is definitely not a GREAT movie, but it is a standout for it's time because of the sex and violence and intense color.  Originally I wanted to watch the movie because of Joe Dalessandro (who I will talk about separately), but then I was able to appreciate that both Monique Van Vooren and Udo Kier were in this gore fest. 

Udo, with his amazing eyes, has had countless character roles and his face is known worldwide for his wide and diverse body of work.  For me , he was notable for his work with Madonna on the erotica and deeper and deeper videos and the sex book.  But Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula really put him on the map for horror afficionados - and I love this bloody picture of him in the latter. I just watched the deeper and deeper video with the full intro that stars Udo. Truly the most mesmerizing eyes. Another reason why he and Monique are grouped here together. Outstanding orbs. 

Back to Monique ... she was in other films as well such as Tarzan and the She-Devil, (which has some great Lobby cards and stills featuring her), a small role in Ash Wednesday with Elizabeth Taylor and multiple TV appearances, some of which you can see on YouTube.   

There's a few interviews from the '80s and '90s, cabaret performances, some of those early TV show appearances and a slew of photos cataloging her many different phases - starting in the days of early glamor and ultimately ending in the not so flattering results of plastic surgeries and invasive paparazzi lenses.  

The curse of being born a beauty is when and how to stop chasing its preservation. 

She was a celebrity who dabbled in a little of everything and who had many famous friends. I personally would be interested in a full biography on the "Unique Monique".  

I know, I know. Obscura Futura, party of one.