Janet Pilgrim (model)
Janet Pilgrim (born Charlaine Edith Karalus; June 13, 1934 – May 1, 2017) was an American model who became a Playmate of the Month while employed at Playboy's corporate office. She was chosen as Playmate of the Month three times: July 1955, December 1955 and October 1956.
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| July 1955 | |
| Preceded by | Eve Meyer |
| Succeeded by | Pat Lawler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Charlaine Edith Karalus June 13, 1934 Wheaton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 1, 2017 (aged 82) Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Measurements | Bust: 36 in (91 cm) Waist: 24 in (61 cm) Hips: 36 in (91 cm) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| December 1955 | |
| Preceded by | Barbara Cameron |
| Succeeded by | Lynn Turner |
| Janet Pilgrim | |
|---|---|
| Playboy centerfold appearance | |
| October 1956 | |
| Preceded by | Elsa Sørensen |
| Succeeded by | Betty Blue |
Miss July 1955
In 1955 Playboy was in its second year of production and had previously used professional models as Playmates.[1] Karalus worked for Hugh Hefner in the subscription department and agreed to pose for the July 1955 episode in exchange for a new addressograph for the office.[1] Hefner reportedly chose the name "Janet Pilgrim" as to make fun of sexual puritanism.[1]
Karalus appeared topless with a tuxedo-clad man reported to be Hefner in the background with his back to the camera.[1] The caption read in part: "We found Miss July in our own circulation department, processing subscriptions, renewals, and back copy orders. Her name is Janet Pilgrim and she's as efficient as she is good looking."[1]
Response
Readers responded well to her appearance as Miss July and sent in letters asking for more Janet Pilgrim.[1] Despite getting offers to model for outside agencies, Janet chose to appear twice more as a Playmate and was listed on Playboy's masthead as head of reader's services department for the next 10 years.[2] Hefner at one point offered a personal phone call from Pilgrim in exchange for enrollment in a lifetime subscription to his magazine.[1]
Pilgrim is said to be the prototype of the "girl next door" approach to Playboy Playmates from that time onward.[1][2]
Personal life
In the early 1980s she attended college to become a registered nurse, and worked in geriatrics. She is the daughter of the late Gedeminis Karalus and Hulda Wittekind. She was predeceased by her husband Alan Whitelaw; her brothers George and Donald, and sister Carol. She is survived by her sister Marilyn Pajkos; her daughters Linda (Kerry) Smith, of New Canaan; and Lisa (Gary) Wehner, of Hartwick, NY. She had five grandchildren: Zachary and Rachel Smith, of New Canaan; and Christopher, Jennifer, and Samantha Wehner, of Hartwick, New York.[3]
She died in Norwalk, Connecticut, at the age of 82.[4][3]
See also
- List of people in Playboy 1953–59
References
- Watts, Steven (2009). Mr Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 115–116, 128. ISBN 978-0-470-52167-0.
- Fraterrigo, Elizabeth (2009). Playboy and the Making of the Good Life in Modern America. Oxford University Press US. pp. 123–124, 230. ISBN 0-19-538610-8.
- "Charlaine Whitelaw, 82, formerly of New Canaan". New Canaan Advertiser. New Canaan, Connecticut. May 2, 2017.
- "Rest In Peace, Janet Pilgrim, Playboy's First Girl Next Door". Playboy. May 1, 2017. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved June 18, 2017.