Vikki Dougan, a name that may not echo as loudly in the annals of Hollywood history as some of her contemporaries, made an unforgettable impact on the entertainment industry in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as “The Back” of Hollywood for her audacious backless dresses, Dougan was not just a model; she was a provocateur, a trailblazer who captured the imagination of the public, challenging the norms of beauty and sensuality. With her daring fashion choices and larger-than-life persona, Vikki Dougan became one of the most talked-about figures of her time. Her story is one of fame, controversy, and eventual obscurity, but her legacy continues to intrigue and inspire.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Edith Tooker in Brooklyn, New York, in 1929, Vikki Dougan’s journey to fame was not typical. Raised in upstate New York in a boarding school, she was far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, her early life was marked by beauty and talent, which soon propelled her into the world of modeling. Vikki won several beauty pageants, including the coveted title of Miss Coney Island, and later became the New York Skate Queen. These early victories were stepping stones that would lead her to a modeling career that spanned over a decade.

Her first major career move came when her agent suggested that she change her name for greater appeal. Inspired by actress Vickie Lester, she adopted the first name “Vikki” and chose Dougan, her mother’s maiden name, as her surname. With a new identity, Vikki Dougan entered the Hollywood scene, becoming a prominent figure in the world of fashion and modeling.

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Watch this video to hear Vikki Dougan talk about her regret for being famous for her backside!

The Birth of ‘The Back’

It was in the mid-1950s that Vikki Dougan truly made her mark, thanks to her iconic “backless” dresses. Publicist Milton Weiss played a key role in creating this daring image that would set her apart from other actresses and models of the time. He suggested that Vikki wear backless dresses, cut so low they exposed her back all the way to the bum crack. These provocative designs became Dougan’s signature, earning her the nickname “The Back” of Hollywood.

The intention behind these revealing outfits was not just to shock but to create a stark contrast to the more traditionally curvaceous, bosom-centric actresses like Jayne Mansfield. Vikki’s backless attire challenged the conventional standards of beauty, offering a fresh and more sensual vision of femininity that was subtly daring. This boldness in fashion immediately attracted attention, placing Dougan at the center of the media spotlight.

Iconic Moments and Fame

Vikki Dougan’s fame skyrocketed when she appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1953. The photograph by Ralph Crane featured Dougan in one of her backless dresses, and the issue quickly became iconic. It wasn’t long before she became a regular in the tabloids, her provocative outfits and daring public appearances fueling her fame. As the 1950s wore on, Dougan’s unique blend of sensuality and elegance made her a household name. She was often seen at high-profile events, turning heads and cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most photographed women.

Her allure was undeniable—she was the ultimate symbol of mid-century glamour, but with a twist. Vikki’s reputation wasn’t solely built on her striking beauty; it was her fearless embrace of the unconventional that made her stand out in a sea of glamorous starlets. She was different, a provocateur in an era that valued elegance and restraint. Vikki Dougan was more than just a model; she was a symbol of rebellion, a woman who dared to embrace her sexuality and use it to her advantage.

Hollywood and The Media Attention

Dougan’s fame wasn’t without controversy. As her popularity grew, so did the media’s obsession with her. Journalists and photographers were fascinated by her backless dresses, often going as far as to label her as “the most notorious ‘ca-rear girl’ in town.” Her public image was controversial in the best way possible—capturing the attention of both men and women alike. Many admired her boldness, while others criticized her for pushing the boundaries of decency.

In 1957, Dougan was described by Hollywood Today as having “marvelous exits,” with some even referring to her backless outfits as “lower in the back than a teenager’s hot rod.” This infatuation with her “back” dominated much of the media coverage surrounding her. Her provocative style set her apart from other stars and defined her brand as Hollywood’s most audacious model.

The Playboy Pictorial and Lawsuit

Not long after her rise to fame, Vikki Dougan was photographed for a nude pictorial in Playboy magazine. Although the photos were initially intended for publication, Dougan later declined to let them appear in the magazine. However, Cavalier magazine, a competitor, decided to run the photos in 1964, which led to a legal battle. Dougan filed a lawsuit against the magazine, asserting that they had published the photos without her consent. While this episode was a blemish on her otherwise glamorous career, it highlighted the challenges she faced as a woman navigating the entertainment industry, where exploitation was common.

Vikki Dougan’s Personal Life

Behind the provocative persona was a woman who lived a tumultuous personal life. Dougan was married twice—first to William Symons, the owner of the photo studio where she worked, and then to actor James R. Sweeney. Her first marriage ended in divorce after a few years, and though she had a daughter from that union, she continued to seek fulfillment in her career and personal relationships.

Her second marriage to Sweeney lasted only a couple of years before ending in divorce as well. Over the years, Vikki dated several prominent men, including Frank Sinatra and actor Glenn Ford, though these relationships were often short-lived. Despite her public persona as a seductive bombshell, Dougan’s personal life was marked by instability and heartbreak.

Decline and Disappearance from the Spotlight

As quickly as Vikki Dougan entered the limelight, she disappeared from it. By the 1960s, her popularity had waned. The fashion world, always fickle, moved on to the next big thing, leaving Dougan’s provocative backless dresses behind. As the media turned its attention to new stars and fresh trends, Vikki found herself forgotten by many.

Her fall from grace was swift, but her influence on Hollywood’s portrayal of women, particularly in terms of sensuality and femininity, cannot be denied. Vikki Dougan was one of the first to challenge the conventions of beauty and style, and though she didn’t remain in the public eye for long, her legacy lived on through the images she created and the doors she opened for future models and actresses.

Gallery: Vikki Dougan Through the Lens

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Watch this video to see Vikki Dougan with Peggy Lee performing “Why Don’t You Do Right?”

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Vikki Dougan

Vikki Dougan’s journey through Hollywood was as captivating and enigmatic as her backless dresses. She was a provocateur, an icon who challenged the norms of the 1950s and 1960s, creating a stir in a world that often relegated women to traditional roles. Though her time in the spotlight was brief, her influence on fashion and pop culture was undeniable.

Vikki Dougan may have faded into obscurity, but the images of her bold backless gowns and daring persona remain an indelible part of Hollywood history. She was more than just a model; she was a symbol of the changing times, a woman unafraid to embrace her sensuality and push boundaries. In the end, Vikki Dougan will always be remembered as “The Back” of Hollywood—an icon whose impact on the world of entertainment is still felt to this day.