Rivulets of mascara are streaming from big, false lashed-eyes everywhere: yesterday legendary Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown died in New York City at age 90.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Brown’s influence as a feminist and sex-positive editor of a major women’s magazine has left an indelible imprint on our popular culture, including on ladyblogs like The Frisky. (Yes, even though some of those Cosmo sex tips are dopey.) She may not have always gotten the respect she deserved in her lifetime — and there will no doubt be Cosmo detractors upon her death — but I would like to share with you some facts from this incredible woman’s life. In fact, she was declared a living legend by the New York Landmarks Conservancy!
Helen Gurley Brown is an editor, writer and woman whom I truly look up to for her ball-busting ways … here’s why.
