Diane Webber: The Pioneering Model, Dancer, and Actress of the 1950s and 1960s

A Career Spanning Multiple Fields

Diane Webber, born Marguerite Empey, was a multifaceted American model, dancer, and actress who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. She is best known for her appearances as a Playboy Playmate of the Month, not once but twice, in May 1955 and February 1956, under the name Marguerite Empey.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 27, 1932, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, Webber grew up in a family of performers. Her mother, Marguerite (née Andrus), was a Hollywood actress and former Miss Long Beach beauty contest winner. Webber received her formal education at Hollywood High School and began taking ballet lessons from Russian ballerina Maria Bekefi at a young age.

Modeling Career

Webber's professional modeling career took off in the early 1950s. She worked as a chorus girl at Bimbos 365 Club in San Francisco before pursuing modeling full-time. She modeled for renowned photographers such as Peter Gowland, Bunny Yeager, and Keith Bernard, appearing in numerous men's magazines, including Esquire, and commercial advertising imagery.

Playboy Playmate of the Month

Webber's most notable achievement was becoming a Playboy Playmate of the Month, not once but twice. Her first appearance was in May 1955, and the second in February 1956. Interestingly, Hugh Hefner didn't recognize her as a previous Playmate when she posed for the second time. The 1956 photo shoot was done by Russ Meyer, a prominent photographer and filmmaker.

Album Covers and Film

Webber's fame extended beyond modeling to the music and film industries. She appeared on the cover art of several popular album covers, including George Shearing's Satin Brass (1959), Les Baxter's La Femme (1956), and Jewels of the Sea (1961), among others. Her film credits include Mermaids of Tiburon (1962) and an episode of the television series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1967). She also appeared in the film The Trial of Billy Jack (1974).

Nudism and Counterculture Movement

In the mid-1960s, Webber became involved in the counterculture movement, embracing nudism as a form of self-expression and liberation. This period saw her involvement in various projects that promoted naturism and body positivity.

Lasting Legacy

Diane Webber's diverse career and contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Her pioneering spirit and willingness to push boundaries have inspired generations of models, actresses, and performers. Though she passed away on August 19, 2008, her legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Webber's mother, Marguerite, was a former Miss Long Beach beauty contest winner.
• She received ballet lessons from Russian ballerina Maria Bekefi as a child.
• Webber appeared on multiple album covers, including George Shearing's Satin Brass and Les Baxter's La Femme.

By exploring Diane Webber's multifaceted career, we gain insight into the life of a true trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.