We present herein a detailed examination of Marianne Gravitt, tracing her biography, career milestones, impact and legacy. In this comprehensive profile we aim to highlight her journey, major achievements, and enduring influence in her field.
Early Life and Background
Marianne Gravitt was born on December 13, 1959 in Hollywood, California, USA. Growing up in the environs of Southern California, she attended Arcadia High School, graduating in 1978. Her height is listed as 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).
From the start, her path led into modelling and entertainment, where she would establish a notable profile that continues to draw interest.
Breakthrough – Playboy & Modelling Career
Marianne Gravitt’s major career milestone came when she was selected as the Playmate of the Month for the October 1982 issue of Playboy magazine. Following that, she earned the prestigious title of Playmate of the Year 1983.
Her initial pictorial was photographed by the well-known photographer Richard Fegley. This recognition propelled her into further visibility both within modelling and crossover entertainment media.
Media Appearances and Entertainment Projects
Music Videos and Album Covers
Marianne appeared in prominent music-videos such as:
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The video for Lay It Down (1985) by the rock band Ratt, in which she plays “Woman”.
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She also featured on the cover of the Ratt album Invasion of Your Privacy (1985).
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Other appearances include videos for songs like Something to Grab For by Ric Ocasek (1983) and No Tellin’ Lies by the band Zebra (1984).
Television Appearances
She also made guest appearances on television, including:
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An episode of Matt Houston titled “The Bikini Murders” (1984).
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An appearance on Mike Hammer (1984) in the episode “Dead Man’s Run”.
These roles, albeit limited, reinforced her visibility beyond print modelling.
Personal Life and Later Years
Following her modelling and media activity, Marianne Gravitt transitioned toward private life and business interests. She married husband Mark Edward Larsen and the couple have three sons.
She and her husband reportedly own a sports bar in Huntington Beach, California marking a shift from modeling to entrepreneurship.
As of the available public records, Marianne largely stepped back from modeling and now focuses on her personal ventures and family life.
Legacy and Impact
Modelling Influence
Marianne Gravitt’s selection as a Playmate and subsequent title as Playmate of the Year placed her in the spotlight of 1980s modelling culture. Her contributions bridged print, video and music culture particularly among the glam-metal and rock scenes of the mid-1980s.
Cultural Crossover
By appearing on album covers and music videos, she became part of a cultural moment where modelling, music and popular visuals intersected. This crossover reflects how models of her era moved between mediums to build brand visibility.
Entrepreneurial Shift
Her move from modelling to business shows an adaptive strategy: leveraging her visibility into other ventures, showing how individuals from entertainment can transition into entrepreneurship and build sustainable paths beyond modelling.
Noteworthy Achievements & Highlights
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Playmate of the Month (October 1982) for Playboy.
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Playmate of the Year (1983) — a select title among Playmates.
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Featured on the album cover of “Invasion of Your Privacy” by Ratt (1985).
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Appearances in major music videos in the rock genre of the 1980s.
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Guest-starring roles on television shows in the mid-1980s.
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Successful business venture with a sports bar in Huntington Beach.
Understanding Her Career Trajectory
Marianne’s career trajectory reflects a sequence of phases: initial modelling breakthrough → media appearances (music and television) → transition to entrepreneurship and family life. At each stage she adapted to new contexts: from photo shoots to videos to business ownership. This adaptability is central to her enduring relevance.
Why Marianne Gravitt Remains Relevant Today
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Nostalgia: For fans of 1980s rock and modelling, her name is associated with a distinct era of glam visuals and cross-media appearances.
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Crossover Appeal: Her work spans multiple entertainment modalities print, video, music which gives her a layered presence rather than a single niche.
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Inspiration for Models & Entertainers: Her shift from modelling to owning a business offers a blueprint for longevity beyond the modeling industry’s typical lifecycle.
Key Takeaways for Those Exploring Her Work
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When seeking her modelling work, focus on publications around the early 1980s (especially 1982–1983).
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For music video appearances, look into rock bands of the 1980s and their videos from 1983 to 1985.
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When exploring business transitions of entertainers, Marianne serves as a case-study in successful pivot to entrepreneurship.
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For interviews or retrospective articles, her insight into the modelling industry of the 1980s and transition beyond it may offer valuable historical perspective.
Conclusion
Marianne Gravitt’s profile is a rich tapestry of modelling achievement, media crossover and entrepreneurial transformation. From her headline moment as Playboy’s Playmate of the Year to her appearances in iconic rock-era videos, and finally to her business pursuits, we observe a professional arc marked by adaptability, visibility and strategic transition.
Her story resonates not only within the modelling and entertainment sectors but also in contexts of brand management and career evolution. For those studying figures who bridged modelling and business, Marianne exemplifies a successful blend of aesthetic visibility and entrepreneurial acumen.
