Edith Massey
Actress

Edith Massey Net Worth

Edith Massey was a beloved actress and composer who was born in San Francisco, California in 1918. She was discovered by director John Waters while working as a barmaid and owner of a thrift shop, and went on to appear in many of his films, including Multiple Maniacs (1970), Pink Flamingos (1972), Polyester (1981), and Desperate Living (1977). She also embarked on a singing career, touring the country and performing cover songs with backup singer Cookie Mueller. Massey passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of eccentricity and charm.
Edith Massey is a member of Actress

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? Actress, Composer
Birth Day May 28, 1918
Birth Place  San Francisco, California, United States
Age 102 YEARS OLD
Died On October 24, 1984(1984-10-24) (aged 66)\nLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Birth Sign Gemini
Cause of death Lymphoma and diabetes
Resting place Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
Occupation Actress, singer
Years active 1970–1984
Spouse(s) Silvio Gigante (m. 1946; div. 1953)

💰 Net worth

Edith Massey, a renowned Actress and Composer in the United States, is anticipated to have a net worth ranging from $100K to $1M in 2024. Known for her exceptional talent and unique personality, Massey left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With her iconic performances in films such as "Pink Flamingos" and "Female Trouble," she captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her contributions as a composer further solidify her artistic prowess. As the years progress, Edith Massey's net worth is expected to continue growing, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

Biography/Timeline

1946

In 1946, Massey married a soldier, Silvio Gigante, in Reno, leaving him about five years later because she got "restless". However, in Divine Waters, Massey said that the marriage lasted "about seven years. It was my fault; I left him for another man, so I blame myself for it."

1969

She worked in several odd jobs through the years, and she eventually relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where she worked as a barmaid at Pete's Hotel. Filmmaker John Waters met Massey while she was working at Pete's Hotel in 1969 and offered her a role as herself in the film Multiple Maniacs. In the early 1970s, she quit her job at Pete's and opened a thrift store called Edith's Shopping Bag in the Fell's Point area of Baltimore.

1970

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Massey capitalized on the infamy of Waters's films by touring as the lead singer of a punk band, Edie and the Eggs. She also posed for a series of greeting cards. Later, when the Baltimore winters became too much for her to endure, she moved to Venice, California, where she opened another thrift store with the money she earned from acting in Waters's films. In 1980, she was featured in John Mellencamp's music video for "This Time" and also appears on the cover of Mellencamp's album Nothin' Matters and What If It Did.

1975

Director Robert Maier made a documentary short about her in 1975 titled Love Letter to Edie. There is a director's authorized version re-mastered from his original 16mm color film footage.

1982

In 1982, Massey recorded a cover of The Four Seasons' "Big Girls Don't Cry" that was included on the compilation albums The Rhino Brothers Present the World's Worst Records and A Date With John Waters.

1984

Massey died of complications of lymphoma and diabetes on October 24, 1984 in Los Angeles. Her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered in the Garden of Roses at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

1985

The year she died, Massey starred in her final film Mutants in Paradise. She read for a role in Paul Bartel's Western parody Lust in the Dust (1985) opposite longtime co-star Divine, but Actress Nedra Volz was cast instead.

Some Edith Massey images

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.