Biography for
Vanity (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

Birth Name

Mini Biography

Born Denise Katrina Matthews, Vanity is glamorous Canadian ex-model and lead singer of all girl group "Vanity 6" from German and African/American parentage, who specialized in playing sultry female characters often in trouble with the law.

Vanity first appeared on screen in the biographical tale of writer Jack London titled Klondike Fever (1980), before venturing into more gritty territory such as the slasher film Terror Train (1980), the very odd chick flick Tanya's Island (1980), a B-Grade martial arts film entitled The Last Dragon (1985) and the totally weird Never Too Young to Die (1986).

However, for my money, her best two performances were as the naive stripper assisting blackmail victim Roy Scheider in the under rated thriller 52 Pick-Up (1986). and then as a seductive, smart talking, night club singer teaming up with cop Carl Weathers to defeat murderous car tycoon Craig T. Nelson in the violent Action Jackson (1988).

Unfortunately, the remainder of Vanity's film work was of the "straight to video" variety and she only scored minor roles in several low budget thrillers such as Neon City (1991) and Da Vinci's War (1993). In late 1995 Vanity turned her back and Hollywood and the entertainment industry and has since dedicated her life to the Christian faith.

Spouse

Trivia

Prince's protege ; was in the band "Vanity 6" in which she played a hooker on stage. (Name of band was originally "Hookers")

Daughter of a German mother and an African-American father.

After leaving Hollywood, Vanity has dedicated most of her life to her church.

Prince originally wanted her stage/band name to be "Vagina" but she refused and they settled upon "Vanity."

Was supposed to play the female lead opposite Prince in Purple Rain (1984).

Also a singer and surrealist painter.

Ex -model, and sister of model Patricia Matthews

As a singer has performed under the name D.D. Winters in Canada, Denise Matthews in Los Angeles, and Denise Sonic in Tokyo.

Was once engaged to Nikki Sixx.

Where Are They Now

(1996) Hired as Director of Public Relations for Genesis Technology Group. ("Inside Lines" column, Computerworld)

(2004) Heavily involved in Christian Ministry as an Evangelist.

Browse biographies section by name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z