Tragic Facts About Mama Cass, The Folk Icon
Cass Elliot (aka Mama Cass) was an integral member of the 1960s folk-rock band, the Mamas & the Papas whose obsession with her weight tragically led to her downfall.
1. Her Real Life Was Tragic
Cass Elliot was the breakout star of the folk-rock band, the Mamas & the Papas. But her onstage talent masked her tragic true story—full of unrequited love, embarrassing career blunders, secret trysts, and dangerous diets.
Her struggle with her self-image haunted her right until she sang her last note—with one mean myth that persists to this day.
2. She Was Poor Growing Up
Ellen Naomi Cohen (aka Mama Cass) was born in Baltimore, Maryland in September 1941. Her family, who were Russian Jewish immigrants, struggled financially throughout her childhood until her father opened a lunch wagon (or, according to some rumors, an ice cream fountain). Despite her family’s hardships, she was always destined for greatness.
3. She Was Always Big
Cass had nothing if not a radiant personality and oodles of talent. But she also had her demons. Even from a young age, Cass struggled with her weight and the poor self-image that came along with it. “I've been fat since I was seven,” she once recalled, “and being fat sets you apart”. Thankfully, she put that uniqueness to good use.
.png){kind=link}
4. She Developed An Alter Ego
In high school, Cass found a community that allowed her talents to soar. She developed a love for theater and performing in front of audiences. She came up with a stage name, “Cass Elliot," by reportedly borrowing from the legendary actress Peggy Cass and a friend who had passed, to invent a more confident persona.
What she did with that newfound confidence was risky.
