When you hear the name Tempest Storm, you think of her fiery red hair, unique personality, and captivating stage presence. She defined the golden age of burlesque and captivated audiences for decades with her blazing red hair, exuberant personality, and captivating stage presence. But there was much more to Tempest Storm’s existence than sparkle and glamour. She was a woman of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.
Tempest was born on a leap year day on February 29, 1928, in the little Georgian town of Eastman. A fitting start for a woman destined to break all molds. Her real name is Annie Blanche Banks. She was not born into a rich family, because her family was poor Tempest dropped out of school by the seventh grade. The world she grew up in offered little hope for a young girl with big dreams, but Annie wasn’t one to stay caged for long.
She had already been married twice by the time she was in her teens, indicating that she was eager to leave a challenging home situation. She eventually arrived in Los Angeles, where she would eventually pursue burlesque through a string of odd jobs. She found Tempest Storm, a stage name as fiery as her hair, there. In 1957, she formally changed her name, solidifying her identity.
Biography
Attribute
Details
Full Name
Annie Blanche Banks
Nickname
Tempest Storm
Age
93 (at the time of her death in 2021)
Date of Birth
February 29, 1928
Birthplace
Eastman, Georgia, United States
Nationality
American
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Profession
Burlesque Dancer, Actress, Entertainer
Height
5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
Weight
Approx. 125 lbs (56.7 kg) during peak
Hair Color
Red
Eye Color
Blue
Measurement
40-24-35 (Bust-Waist-Hips, approx.)
Net Worth
Estimated $1 Million
Zodiac Sign
Pisces
Sexuality
Straight
Religion
Not Publicly Disclosed
Career
Tempest Storm’s career may be summed up in one word: “trailblazing.” She owned the stage and did more than just perform. She was among the highest-paid burlesque performers in the US by the 1950s. Her performances were about art, charisma, and confidence rather than merely seduction.
What’s her signature move? It was a leisurely, seductive, and elegant striptease that teased without ever being vulgar. With her lavish feathers and custom-made outfits, she could command a room just by looking at it.
She inked an unusual 10-year contract with the Bryan-Engels burlesque production firm in 1956, paying an astounding $100,000 per year.
Not only was Tempest Storm a legend in burlesque, but she also earned a name for herself in Hollywood by appearing in movies. Fans may recall her from cult favorites such as Buxom Beautease (1956), Striptease Girl (1952), and Teaserama (1955), in which she costarred with the legendary Bettie Page. These movies were more than just amusement; they were cultural landmarks that bravely embraced feminine sexuality at a time when it was still frowned upon. Storm cleared the path for more candid conversations about sexuality in popular culture and contributed to the redefining of beauty standards through these positions.
Love Affairs and Personal Struggles
A whole novel might be written about Tempest’s romantic life. She had intimate relationships with a number of Hollywood giants throughout the years, including Mickey Rooney, Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Elvis Presley. These connections, which at the time were frequently controversial and inter-racial, garnered media attention and solidified her standing as a strong, independent woman.
Herb Jeffries, a renowned jazz vocalist well known for his collaborations with Duke Ellington, was her husband in 1959. The marriage dissolved in 1967, however the pair did have a daughter, Patricia.
Tempest stayed unabashedly herself through all of the highs and lows; she was never ashamed of her background and was always proud of her work.
Cause Of Her Death
After a brief illness, Tempest Storm, the burlesque dancer, passed away on April 20, 2021, at the age of 93. Harvey Robbins, her manager, acknowledged her death but would not say what caused it.
Tempest Storm’s Physical Attributes
Physical Attribute
Details
Height
5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
Weight
Estimated around 125 lbs (56.7 kg) during peak career
Hair Color
Fiery Red
Eye Color
Blue
Bust Size
40 inches — famously insured for $1 million!
Net Worth
Aspect
Details
Net Worth
Estimated around $1 Million at the time of her passing
Sources of Income
Sold-out shows, film appearances, merchandise, personal branding
Financial Legacy
Pioneered long-term financial success in burlesque
Cultural Legacy
Empowered women in entertainment, elevated burlesque as a respected art form
Photos Of Tempest Storm
Final Thoughts
A cultural icon, survivor, and fervent supporter of women’s sexual autonomy, Tempest Storm was more than just a burlesque performer. She danced right through the criticism and asserted her throne in a society that attempted to quiet or disgrace women like her. Her life was a fierce, erratic, and unforgettable storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Tempest Storm and why is she considered a burlesque icon?
Tempest Storm, born Annie Blanche Banks, was one of the most celebrated burlesque performers of the 20th century. Known for her fiery red hair and captivating performances, she redefined burlesque with elegance and confidence. Her career spanned over six decades, making her a legend in the art of exotic dance.
2. What was Tempest Storm’s net worth and how did she earn it?
At the time of her passing, Tempest Storm’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. She amassed her fortune through decades of successful burlesque shows, film appearances, merchandise, and her personal brand as a cultural icon.
3. Did Tempest Storm appear in any films?
Yes, Tempest Storm starred in several cult classic films during the 1950s and 60s, including Teaserama (1955), Striptease Girl (1952), and Buxom Beautease (1956). Her film roles helped bring burlesque to a wider audience and enhanced her stardom.
4. What made Tempest Storm’s performances stand out from other burlesque dancers?
Tempest Storm’s performances were a perfect mix of class, allure, and showmanship. Unlike many performers, her routines were artistically choreographed with lavish costumes and dramatic flair, making her shows an elegant spectacle rather than just striptease.
5. What is Tempest Storm’s lasting impact on entertainment and burlesque?
Tempest Storm helped elevate burlesque from taboo to celebrated art form. She empowered generations of female entertainers to embrace their sexuality with confidence and helped pave the way for modern burlesque revival movements around the world.
Jessica
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