If you were in South Carolina in the early 80s as I was, then you certainly recognize the name Rita Jenrette. She was the younger second wife of long-time Democratic Congressman (back when SC elected Democrats) John Jenrette. It was scandal enough when John married her, but that was just the beginning. He was convicted of bribery in 1980 and resigned, but Rita didn't give up the spotlight easily. She posed for a nude pictorial in
Playboy (my mother's comment on seeing the pictures -
"That's a lot of silicone."). I totally remember
the pictorial mainly because it included pictures of Rita with a handsome nude man. In the accompanying interview, Rita revealed that she and the Congressman had sex on the
Capitol Steps, inspiring the DC comedy troupe of the same name. She followed up her Playboy appearance with her film debut in the horror classic,
Zombie Island Massacre. I guess they still had drive-ins in those days.
So,
what ever happened to Rita? She's now Her Serene Highness the Principessa Rita Boncompagni Ludovisi! She married an Italian prince and and fills her time preserving his Roman villa, cataloging the antiquities, and hosting glittering dinner parties. Plus, she now says the sex on the steps never happened. There was just a little cuddling. I kind of wish she had kept that to herself.
The former Rita Sue Carpenter of San Antonio, Texas has done well for herself. Check out this piece in
The New Yorker. Frankly, I admire anyone who defies convention, particularly in a places as conservative as DC and SC. Good for her.
This is Rita getting the last laugh.
2 comments:
I remember Rita! And Fannie Hill too, the Argentine Firecracker and fling of Rep. Wilbur Mills of Arkansas. Ah, those were the days.
I remember Rita, too. Quelle scandale...and I devoured every unsavory drop of it even though I was in Olney, IL. I say good for Rita! A princess! Marvelous. Personally, I am still holding out for an emperor. Empress Doug...? Nice ring, no?
Post a Comment