I came across this picture of a woman celebrating V-J Day (August 18, 1945) on a car. The exuberance displayed made me investigate. This is Carmen Miranda giving an impromptu performance before an adoring crowd on Hollywood Boulevard.

Singing and dancing the samba Ms. Miranda captivated America in the 1930s and 40s. Known as the “Brazilian Bombshell,” she became the highest paid performer in Hollywood and the highest paid female in the US. But I think the sheer joy of performing, as evident in this photo, motivated her.

As she aged, in addition to heavy smoking and alcohol consumption, Ms. Miranda took amphetamines (stimulants) and barbiturates (sedatives) trying to regulate her life and performances. She died of a heart attack at age forty-six after a TV performance that day. A square where the car dance shown occurred is named after her.

Judging comes easily to many of us. What a shame for her to recklessly throw much of her life away. But  Ms. Miranda entertained and inspired many people during hard times. If she were here, I suspect she’d say that she lived the life she wanted and would express no regrets. Maybe what one does with their life is more important than life’s length. See the picture of her in her zenith.

Drew