Mickey Koren, a renowned and captivating individual, who also went by the aliases Barbara White and Laurie, was a prominent figure in the world of pin-up attractions, earning esteemed titles such as "Miss Body Beautiful" and "Miss Bronx".
Laurie's early foray into the world of performing arts commenced with her enrollment at the prestigious Ben Bard Drama Academy in the iconic city of Hollywood, where she immersed herself in the craft of acting.
Her initial foray onto the stage took place in the southern California region, where she made her debut under the pseudonym Barbara White, showcasing her talents in a multitude of productions.
As fate would have it, Laurie's life took a dramatic turn with the union to trumpet player and magician extraordinaire Larry White. This pivotal moment in her life led her to adopt a new stage name, marking a significant transformation in her professional journey.
Laurie's fledgling career in the film industry began with a series of minor roles in low-budget productions, frequently relegated to portraying stereotypical characters in westerns and anthology dramas.
A pivotal moment in her professional trajectory emerged when she secured a co-starring role in the musical comedy Calypso Joe, which premiered in 1957. Heeding the sage counsel of her sister, Laurie made a significant alteration to her physical appearance by changing her hair color to a vibrant blonde hue, subsequently adopting a new stage name. This metamorphosis served as the catalyst for the commencement of her ascent to cult stardom, with a succession of roles in low-budget science fiction films that would forever cement her status as a beloved and iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
Laurie's inaugural foray into the realm of science fiction cinema commenced with a trifecta of films, specifically Attack of the Puppet People, Queen of Outer Space, and Missile to the Moon, all of which premiered in the momentous year of 1958.
Notably, besides her numerous sci-fi performances, Laurie also ventured into mainstream cinema, gracing the silver screen with her presence in a diverse range of films, including the iconic Billy Wilder-directed classic, Some Like It Hot, released in 1959, which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, and the captivating Cary Grant-Doris Day romantic comedy, That Touch of Mink, premiered in 1962, showcasing the on-screen chemistry between the legendary duo.
Laurie, a talented actress, decided to bring her illustrious career to a close in the year 1971, marking the end of her journey as a professional performer.
Years later, in 1976, Laurie's personal life underwent a significant transformation as she chose to part ways with her spouse, Larry White, in a divorce that would ultimately lead her down a new path.
After a period of relative anonymity, Laurie's life took a dramatic turn once again when she married a medical salesman, a union that would bring about a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start.
As the years went by, Laurie began to re-emerge from her brief period of obscurity, making appearances at celebrity expos and reconnecting with the fans who had once adored her work, thereby rekindling her connection to the world of entertainment.
