Evelyn West

Evelyn West was an American burlesque dancer and model whose career spanned the 1940s through the 1960s, the golden age of burlesque. She was known for her ample natural bust, measuring 39 inches, and her 39-25-35 figure. West understood that publicity was key to fame, and she used clever stunts to keep her name in the headlines. Her most famous stunt was insuring her chest with Lloyd's of London for $50,000, which earned her the nickname "Evelyn $50,000 Treasure Chest West" and "The Girl with the $50,000 Treasure Chest." She was also billed as "The Hubba-Hubba Girl."

In an era obsessed with glamour and bust size, West competed with stars like Tempest Storm, Jane Russell, and Jayne Mansfield. She was not shy about criticizing rivals, once remarking that Marilyn Monroe's figure was as phony as her yearning for the Karamazov brothers. Such comments were part of her strategy to win the "battle of the bust" and generate press. West was a master of marketing and knew that any press was good press.

West was born in Aldair County, Kentucky, on January 31, 1922. She stood 5 feet 4 inches and had brown hair and brown eyes. Her career as a headliner took her through the dancer's circuit, and she remained a notable figure in burlesque history. She passed away on November 14, 2004, at the age of 82.