Las Vegas, Nevada – Actress Mae West, a Hollywood icon from the 1930s, found herself in a passionate affair with a man 40 years her junior. In her 60s at the time, West was known for her love of young men and her sizzling on-screen persona. The relationship with 21-year-old Richard DuBois was intense, but ultimately, it was the heavily muscled DuBois who decided to walk away.
Author Michael Gregg Michaud delves into this intriguing aspect of West’s life in his new book, “Mae West and Her Adonises.” The book explores West’s later years as she transitioned from the silver screen to the nightclub circuit. It was during her Las Vegas nightclub act in 1954 that West met DuBois, a sought-after bodybuilder and physique model.
Despite DuBois’ initial infatuation with West, their relationship was purely physical. West, known for her legendary persona as an international sex symbol, did not seek emotional connections with her partners. DuBois, on the other hand, fell in love with West, leading to tension in their dynamic.
As their affair unfolded, personal dramas behind the scenes mirrored the onstage comedy. West orchestrated intimate encounters with DuBois while avoiding the watchful eye of her former boyfriend, Vincent Lopez. DuBois eventually reached a breaking point, giving West an ultimatum that led to his departure.
Following his departure from showbiz, DuBois embraced a new role as an evangelist, eventually becoming a pastor until his passing in 2007. West, on the other hand, found companionship with Chuck Krauser, eventually changing his name to Paul Novak. Novak remained by West’s side until her death in 1980, serving as her protector and constant companion.
The story of Mae West and Richard DuBois is a captivating tale of love, ambition, and the complexities of relationships in Hollywood. Despite the glitz and glamour, their affair reveals the struggles and sacrifices made behind the curtains of stardom.