Maila Nurmi, December 21, 1921 - January 10, 2008

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 Eve Golden here.

Funeral plans are pending as Nurmi had no next-of-kin. Friends are seeking to put her to rest in Hollywood Forever (LA Metroblogging)

Read Brian Albright's indepth article here.

More from Coffin Case here.

Photo from the collection of Donna Lethal via Flickr