On August 17th, 1893, Mae West was welcomed into the world in Kings County, New York. In case you were wondering if her name is a stage name, she was born Mary Jane West – so, pretty close! Her mom was a corset model named Matilda Delker Doelger. And her father was a private investment owner named John Patrick West; he was also a part-time prizefighter.
When she was just five, West made her debut appearance in front of an audience. She started off performing at church events but quickly started snagging first place in amateur shows and talent contests.