Ringo Starr, the former Beatles drummer, recently shared his feelings of regret regarding his involvement in the 1978 film “Sextette” alongside movie icon Mae West. The movie, which was a flop, was a part of Starr’s attempt to revive his acting career at the time.
In a candid interview, Starr revealed that he took on the role in “Sextette” as he was struggling to secure acting jobs in Hollywood. The film, filled with campy sexual innuendos, featured West as a wife attempting to consummate her marriage with a younger man played by Timothy Dalton, amidst interruptions from her ex-husbands, including Starr’s character.
Despite the film’s lackluster reception, Starr expressed admiration for Mae West, describing her as “bloody attractive” and admitting that he found himself drawn to her during their time on set. He shared his experiences working with West in a new biography titled “Ringo: A Fab Life” by author Tom Doyle.
“Sextette” portrayed West as a six-times-married movie star named Marlo Manners, with Starr playing her fourth ex-husband, a flamboyant European film director. The film featured comedic gags and over-the-top scenarios, ultimately failing to resonate with audiences.
Despite its star-studded cast, which also included Tony Curtis, the film struggled at the box office, grossing only a fraction of its estimated budget. Tragically, West suffered a stroke shortly after filming wrapped and passed away three months later at the age of 87.
Timothy Dalton, who portrayed James Bond in later films, reflected on his experience working with West on “Sextette,” describing her as vain but wonderful. He noted that West was known to be secretive about her age, claiming to be 84 when she was actually in her nineties.
Ultimately, “Sextette” stands as a quirky and forgotten chapter in both Starr’s and West’s careers, showcasing the challenges and complexities of Hollywood filmmaking. Despite its shortcomings, the film remains a unique piece of cinematic history that brought together two iconic figures in entertainment.
