Hollywood has lost another legend. Maila Nurmi, who became synonymous with her character, Vampira, passed away in her sleep yesterday at the age of 86.

She was born Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi on December 21, 1921, in Petsamo, Finland - now Pechenga, Russia. In the 1950s she created the character of Vampira, popular for both films and as a television host. The character was to set the standard for an entire legion of horror hostesses, actresses, and even cartoon characters to follow. I had the honor of meeting her, and she was always kind and gracious with her fans.

Read the obituary by her close friend Eve Golden at http://donnalethal.com/20...pira-rip/.

she was totally at LEAST the sartorial grandmother of goth. without vampira, most of my high school and college friends wouldn't have had a fashion icon, and that includes my female friends too. and without vampira there'd be no elvira, and there'd be no sammy terry (my favorite local schlock terror movie host).

plus, she was just damn hot.

Apparently, there was a documentary made about her not too long ago. I'd love to see it. She was quoted extensively in the Ed Wood bio "Nightmares of Ecstasy"--very smart, eloquent lady. And of course, who could forget the scene in "Ed Wood" when the kid runs up to her, grabs her tits and says, "Hey, Vampira, how 'bout a little luuuuuvv!"

She truly was a legend. I know she's in heaven brushing lint off Ed's angora sweater.

Apparently, there was a documentary made about her not too long ago.