R.I.P. Tura Satana – Goddess of the Female Badass

I don’t know about you, but when someone mentions the term “Cinematic Female Badass”, I think if Tura Satana’s role of Varla in Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! Sure, there have been recent female badasses that have graced the silver screen, but no one was as seductive and menacing as Varla.  I had the chance to meet her a few times back in 2008 in Toronto and here in St. Louis.  My friend Tom Stockman even helped bring her to the Way Out Club to hang out, watch Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and even judge a burlesque contest.  I’m truly saddened to give you the news that Tura Satana has passed on.  The star of Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and Astro-Zombies died yesterday at 5pm in Reno, NV at the age of 75.  When I met her 3 years ago she was still full of spunk and didn’t take shit from anyone.  She was totally open about her past and was an influential role model on women.  We will miss you Tura.

You can check out the recorded Q&A that I did in conjunction with Rue Morgue Magazine below:

See larger image Russ Meyer’s Faster Pussycat Kill!..kill! (DVD) Director: Russ Meyer Starring: Tura Satana, Haji, Stuart Lancaster, Lori Williams, Susan Bernard Rating: NR (Not Rated) List Price: $39.95 USD New From: $35.96 In Stock Used from: $27.50 In Stock Release date June 1, 2005.