An American actress, director, and screenwriter known for her work in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in the Warhol Factory and in cult classic films like "Chelsea Girls" and "Rock 'n' Roll High School".
Mary Woronov is an American actress, writer, and figurative painter, best known for her work as a cult star with Andy Warhol's Factory and her roles in Roger Corman's cult films. With a career spanning over 60 years, Woronov has appeared in over 80 movies and numerous stage productions, solidifying her place as a true Hollywood icon.
Born on December 8, 1943, in the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, Woronov was prematurely born and initially not expected to survive infancy. She relocated to Brooklyn Heights, New York City, with her mother and was later adopted by her stepfather, Victor D. Woronov, a Jewish cancer surgeon. Woronov studied art and sculpting at Cornell University, where she met and befriended artist Gerard Malanga in 1963.
Through her friendship with Gerard Malanga, Woronov became involved with Andy Warhol's art studio, The Factory, in New York City. She appeared in numerous films for Warhol, becoming a Warhol superstar in the 1960s. She danced with Exploding Plastic Inevitable, Warhol's multimedia presentation of The Velvet Underground, and played Hanoi Hannah in Chelsea Girls, the 1966 experimental underground film directed by Warhol.
In 1949, Woronov's stepfather, Victor D. Woronov, legally adopted her. She has one younger half-brother, Victor, born on her eighth birthday. Woronov has been married twice, first to musician and composer, Fred Rubin, and then to actor, Paul Williams.
Mary Woronov's work with Andy Warhol and her roles in cult films have made her a beloved figure in underground cinema. Her unique style and bold performances have inspired countless artists, musicians, and actors. Woronov's influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga and Marilyn Manson.
Woronov has received critical acclaim for her work, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in The Terror Within.
In an interview, Woronov reflected on her time at The Factory, saying, "Of all the girls at Andy Warhol's Factory, I was the butch one. Warhol put me in his scripts." This statement speaks to her rebellious spirit and willingness to challenge societal norms.
Here is a brief visual timeline of Mary Woronov's life and career:
1963 - Woronov meets Gerard Malanga at Cornell University.
1965 - Woronov becomes involved with Andy Warhol's The Factory.
1978 - Woronov appears in Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke.Mary Woronov's contributions to the worlds of art, film, and theater have left an indelible mark on modern pop culture. Her bold spirit and fearlessness have inspired generations of artists, and her legacy will continue to inspire and provoke for years to come.
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