Victoria Medlin

lugnut · 12-16-2011, 06:49 AM

So here's a strange one for you. Allow me to blather on while I attempt to explain this thread: I'm a KISS fan, and Ms. Medlin was linked to lead singer Paul Stanley in the early/mid-'70s. I'd heard her name before, but a recent (now-deleted) thread on a KISS forum opened up a lot of new questions.

She was an actress who never really made the big time, appearing only in three films (Vanishing Point, The Groove Tube and a 1973 TV movie called The Resolution of Mossie Wax) and several commercials and stage plays. Apparently she committed suicide on 2/27/78, seemingly not too long after she and Stanley had broken up. Now here's where it gets sorta interesting - there's absolutely no information around on the circumstances of her death or the location. Nothing, nada, zilch.

Rumors have circulated in the "KISS community" for years that Stanley and/or the band's management had this covered up - the reasons why this would be covered up are unknown. Bill Aucoin (the band's manager in the '70s) once stated in an interview that Stanley has a "very dark secret" that he would never discuss with anyone and would likely take to his grave. Rumors also fly that perhaps Stanley and Medlin had a daughter together who was kept secret and raised by Stanley's sister (presumably not to damage the band's reputation as freewheeling single sex-hounds). A photograph from the '80s exists of Paul and this girl (billed as his "niece") standing together, and she really looks like she actually could be his daughter... But back to 1978 - From what I understand of it, Medlin had remained close to the Stanleys after the breakup (perhaps because of this daughter?) and it's been suggested that Medlin's suicide actually occurred in the family furniture store that was owned by Paul Stanley's father in New York City. KISS management was reportedly brought in to make sure this aspect of the story was whitewashed - being associated with an actress's suicide probably wasn't the greatest career move for a band who was quickly becoming a kiddie favorite that year.

From there, the "trail," such as it is, goes cold. Paul Stanley did, however, dedicate his 1978 solo album to Medlin. Otherwise there's no information about her life or death to be found on the internet, or seemingly much of anywhere - even pictures are hard to find. How is it possible for a semi-known actress linked to a hugely-famous rock star to just completely disappear like this?

So I figured if anyone could get to the bottom of this, it'd be you guys. Anyone wanna have a go at this one?

**ichabodius** · 12-17-2011, 09:48 PM

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james1977 · 12-18-2011, 03:54 AM

A lot of things, we can't find on the web- Was she the one that was brushing her teeth topless with Chevy Chase ? , or the one that was in The Sexual Olympics, event- I know she was a great looking blonde. Groove Tube is a great movie, a cult classic.

**michihunt** · 12-18-2011, 03:59 PM

Very interesting... I hope more info comes out. Great find Ich!

Lisamarie · 12-19-2011, 06:15 AM

Very intresting..how didn she committ suicide?

havoc · 12-19-2011, 08:42 AM

Hmmmmm.....

Intriguing.

.

**Dulcinea** · 12-19-2011, 08:47 AM

Is it possible "Victoria Medlin" was a stage name so any official records would be under a different name? I have you tried the IBDB (Internet Broadway Database)?

havoc · 12-19-2011, 08:54 AM

Boy, there's less than nothing out there.

.

**ichabodius** · 12-19-2011, 04:05 PM

I tried to find the name and address of Paul Stanley's fathers furniture shop and search for news reports about incidents occuring there on the date of her suicide but couldnt come up with an address other than it was on Queens Blvd.

babyblujems · 12-19-2011, 04:11 PM

All I could get was the date of her death.

**sierrarose** · 12-21-2011, 01:40 PM

I have been trying to find information on Victoria Medlin, also. The movie, Vanishing Point, apparently has a cult following even to this day. There is a Facebok page devoted to it and one of the posters there mentions her suicide and relationship with Paul Stanley, but very little else. A KissFax page mentions that Stanley's solo album was dedicated to "this person" refering to Medlin which I thought was a cold way of putting it.

bobbyg · 12-22-2011, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Dulcinea

Is it possible "Victoria Medlin" was a stage name so any official records would be under a different name? I have you tried the IBDB (Internet Broadway Database)?

bobbyg · 12-22-2011, 07:59 AM

Victoria Medlin was her real name, we dated in the 60's

NOVSTORM · 12-22-2011, 03:14 PM

So maybe youy can call her parents and find out where she is burried and maybe inb the converation they would talk about her death?

fultondyke · 12-28-2011, 04:25 PM

In the discussion section of IMDB someone posted that they thought she had OD'd.

OMyStarz · 12-28-2011, 10:06 PM

Very intriguing Lugnut!

Looks like her Godmother was Beatrice Lillie.

OMyStarz · 12-28-2011, 10:07 PM

OMyStarz · 12-28-2011, 10:08 PM

Just for interesting's sake:

**sierrarose** · 12-28-2011, 10:43 PM

Omystarz-impressive detective work.

sept2749 · 12-30-2011, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by lugnut

So here's a strange one for you. Allow me to blather on while I attempt to explain this thread: I'm a KISS fan, and Ms. Medlin was linked to lead singer Paul Stanley in the early/mid-'70s. I'd heard her name before, but a recent (now-deleted) thread on a KISS forum opened up a lot of new questions.

She was an actress who never really made the big time, appearing only in three films (Vanishing Point, The Groove Tube and a 1973 TV movie called The Resolution of Mossie Wax) and several commercials and stage plays. Apparently she committed suicide on 2/27/78, seemingly not too long after she and Stanley had broken up. Now here's where it gets sorta interesting - there's absolutely no information around on the circumstances of her death or the location. Nothing, nada, zilch.

Rumors have circulated in the "KISS community" for years that Stanley and/or the band's management had this covered up - the reasons why this would be covered up are unknown. Bill Aucoin (the band's manager in the '70s) once stated in an interview that Stanley has a "very dark secret" that he would never discuss with anyone and would likely take to his grave. Rumors also fly that perhaps Stanley and Medlin had a daughter together who was kept secret and raised by Stanley's sister (presumably not to damage the band's reputation as freewheeling single sex-hounds). A photograph from the '80s exists of Paul and this girl (billed as his "niece") standing together, and she really looks like she actually could be his daughter... But back to 1978 - From what I understand of it, Medlin had remained close to the Stanleys after the breakup (perhaps because of this daughter?) and it's been suggested that Medlin's suicide actually occurred in the family furniture store that was owned by Paul Stanley's father in New York City. KISS management was reportedly brought in to make sure this aspect of the story was whitewashed - being associated with an actress's suicide probably wasn't the greatest career move for a band who was quickly becoming a kiddie favorite that year.

From there, the "trail," such as it is, goes cold. Paul Stanley did, however, dedicate his 1978 solo album to Medlin. Otherwise there's no information about her life or death to be found on the internet, or seemingly much of anywhere - even pictures are hard to find. How is it possible for a semi-known actress linked to a hugely-famous rock star to just completely disappear like this?

So I figured if anyone could get to the bottom of this, it'd be you guys. Anyone wanna have a go at this one?

I knew Victoria since she was 12 - we grew up together on the upper west side and dated briefly at age 16. At age 26 or so we were seriously involved. She did have an affair with Paul Stanley but no kid - I'm very certain of that. She was a beautiful girl inside and out and I will never forget her. No one will ever know if Vic killed herself or took an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. I had spoken with her a week before her death and she seemed fine but strangely controlled. She had guys going crazy for her and some were pretty controlling. Personally, after knowing her for so long I feel she died of an accidental overdose. She used to take sleeping pills and on occasion would wake up in the middle of the night and take some more. I don't think she knew how dangerous this could be over time as these drugs build up in one's system. I loved her &I will miss her forever.

sept2749 · 12-30-2011, 04:05 PM

That was her real name - I knew her since she was 12

sept2749 · 12-30-2011, 04:07 PM

Suicide? I knew her very well - it could have been an accident - too many sleeping pills over time can build up in one's system and kill you. It has happened to lots of show biz people when barbiturates were prescribed for sleep.

OMyStarz · 12-30-2011, 04:54 PM

Thanks! I have a small obit that ran in the NY Times in March '78. Not sure if I should post the original because it includes names of (possibly) living relatives.

All it says is:

MEDLIN - Victoria. [Her Parents] mourn the loss of their loved daughter and [sister's name] adored sister.

I have yet to find a full obit for her, but the above just might be all there is.

Elizabeth · 12-31-2011, 09:40 AM

Wow, how interesting.....in a death hag way, that is

But sept2749, sorry for your loss.....sounds like she was very special to you......

**pkstracy** · 12-31-2011, 10:00 AM

Sept do you have pictures of you and Victoria, together? Would be neat to see them.

VixT · 05-27-2012, 11:57 AM

I knew her really well. We met New Years Eve, 1965 and were together for the next 2+ years and stayed in touch after that. We played music together, I managed her group, Boys and Girls Together, we designed and sold a clothing line, traveled, etc...

I knew her Mom, who'd been a singer with Liberace for years, her step-Dad, an agent at William Morris who later moved to UK to produce films and her younger half-sister. She loved Francoise Hardy, Francoise D'Orleac, Catherine Deneuve. Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Aretha. Many stories to tell.

She was a super talented artist, singer, actor. Dressed with great style. All eyes turned when she entered a room. Really.

Very very gifted and super bright - sadly troubled as often the case. Don't know about Paul Stanley - but the last time I saw her she was living on W58th St. with her hair stylist who's name I forget. Appeared his role was to keep her looking good and feeling good, all the time.

She had promise, BIG promise, big deals with Universal as an actor, Deodato as a singer, Allan Toussaint, songwriting and recording contracts. Others. Made a big splash in commercials - esp one where she was in Joe Namath's locker room and smacked his ass. Right Guard I recall. Starred in HAIR on Bway - stopped the show with Easy To Be Hard.

Really great blue eyed soul singer. Hard to believe it came from a white girl.

Never got to where she should have. Too many later, too many no shows.

Had pictures til a few years ago when my storage got looted and everything not taken was trashed. Actually, I have a portrait of me at 17 from back then she did in pastel. Still have it - not quite sure why...

Knew she died, but had no idea of the date - it was my 29th Birthday. Weird.

asiusa · 05-31-2012, 04:36 PM

Victoria Medlin - A mystery in need of solving

So here's a strange one for you. Allow me to blather on while I attempt to explain this thread: I'm a KISS fan, and Ms. Medlin was linked to lead singer Paul Stanley in the early/mid-'70s. I'd heard her name before, but a recent (now-deleted) thread on a KISS forum opened up a lot of new questions.

She was an actress who never really made the big time, appearing only in three films (Vanishing Point, The Groove Tube and a 1973 TV movie called The Resolution of Mossie Wax) and several commercials and stage plays. Apparently she committed suicide on 2/27/78, seemingly not too long after she and Stanley had broken up. Now here's where it gets sorta interesting - there's absolutely no information around on the circumstances of her death or the location. Nothing, nada, zilch.

Jacksmum · 06-01-2012, 06:49 AM

I just searched as well, sounds like a cover up situation to me. I would tweet Gene Simmons

I'm also very intrigued now that you've put this out there and have asked for help through my sleuthing friends.

**ichabodius** · 06-01-2012, 08:03 AM

Already a thread:
http://www.findadeath.com/forum/show...ghlight=medlin

**shipmatekate** · 06-01-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by ichabodius

Already a thread:
http://www.findadeath.com/forum/show...ghlight=medlin

Virtually identical posts............

jwinske · 10-31-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by lugnut

So here's a strange one for you. Allow me to blather on while I attempt to explain this thread: I'm a KISS fan, and Ms. Medlin was linked to lead singer Paul Stanley in the early/mid-'70s. I'd heard her name before, but a recent (now-deleted) thread on a KISS forum opened up a lot of new questions.

She was an actress who never really made the big time, appearing only in three films (Vanishing Point, The Groove Tube and a 1973 TV movie called The Resolution of Mossie Wax) and several commercials and stage plays. Apparently she committed suicide on 2/27/78, seemingly not too long after she and Stanley had broken up. Now here's where it gets sorta interesting - there's absolutely no information around on the circumstances of her death or the location. Nothing, nada, zilch.

Rumors have circulated in the "KISS community" for years that Stanley and/or the band's management had this covered up - the reasons why this would be covered up are unknown. Bill Aucoin (the band's manager in the '70s) once stated in an interview that Stanley has a "very dark secret" that he would never discuss with anyone and would likely take to his grave. Rumors also fly that perhaps Stanley and Medlin had a daughter together who was kept secret and raised by Stanley's sister (presumably not to damage the band's reputation as freewheeling single sex-hounds). A photograph from the '80s exists of Paul and this girl (billed as his "niece") standing together, and she really looks like she actually could be his daughter... But back to 1978 - From what I understand of it, Medlin had remained close to the Stanleys after the breakup (perhaps because of this daughter?) and it's been suggested that Medlin's suicide actually occurred in the family furniture store that was owned by Paul Stanley's father in New York City. KISS management was reportedly brought in to make sure this aspect of the story was whitewashed - being associated with an actress's suicide probably wasn't the greatest career move for a band who was quickly becoming a kiddie favorite that year.

From there, the "trail," such as it is, goes cold. Paul Stanley did, however, dedicate his 1978 solo album to Medlin. Otherwise there's no information about her life or death to be found on the internet, or seemingly much of anywhere - even pictures are hard to find. How is it possible for a semi-known actress linked to a hugely-famous rock star to just completely disappear like this?

So I figured if anyone could get to the bottom of this, it'd be you guys. Anyone wanna have a go at this one?

jwinske · 10-31-2012, 06:02 PM

I have come looking for info on Ms. Medlin because my brother-in-law from Massachusetts recently died and he was married to Victoria back in the mid-sixties in Cal. None of us in the family ever met her but we did hear of her from my brother-in-law. They were only married for a few months and broke up and he came back to Mass. He never told us much about the marriage; but did talk about her movie roles and said she had a number of kids. i'm fascinated with the info about her in this thread. Thank you all for the history.

DRIDDLEDRA · 01-23-2016, 10:33 AM

OK ALL OF YOU, I am Victoria's half sister so any questions you have please ask away for CORRECT info. VixT would love to know who you are. I was a young teenager at the time of her death, but still in touch with a few of her besties. She was NEVER married. Our mother is still alive & lives with me in the UK. My father is deceased as is Victoria's.
I look forward to setting the record straight. We still miss her deeply .....
Not my sister ...she was never married & NO children she was only in her late 20s when she passed. She simply took too many Tuinal one night & accidentally killed herself .....devaestated us all. Thank you for respecting our privacy

No mystery Im afraid & no child...Im VMs sister....She overdosed in her own bed alone in her apartment ....no furniture store...no Paul Stanley....

**cindyt** · 01-23-2016, 11:14 AM

You are far and away in violation of Rule 6: Help keep the forum organized for all users. This means you are not allowed to make consecutive posts within minutes of each other. Please combine all these posting to one and delete the others. Also, every member here is entitled to their own opinion. If it goes against another opinion that's the way it is--Rule 4. You might want to read FAQ before you post again.