Xaviera Hollander — Biography
Xaviera Hollander is a name likely recognized by many, largely due to her authorship of THE HAPPY HOOKER: MY OWN STORY. Beyond this seminal work, her literary output includes multiple books, and her life has been the subject of several films. Hollander herself has also appeared on screen, notably in MY PASSION IS MY BUSINESS. She is frequently described as a Dutch former escort and madam, as well as an author. While her writing career blossomed following her involvement in the sex industry, it has undeniably been the most prominent facet of her public life. For 35 years, starting in 1972, she also contributed a sexual advice column to PENTHOUSE titled "Call Me Madam."
Digging deeper into her background reveals a story far more complex than her New York City exploits suggest. Born Xaviera de Vries in 1943, her early life unfolded in the Dutch East Indies under Japanese occupation, with her first three years spent in a Japanese internment camp. Though her birthplace later became Indonesia, she holds Dutch nationality. Her father was a psychiatrist and hospital director. Exhibiting an early aptitude for writing, she contributed to her school magazine before completing secretarial studies. Her proficiency in this field was recognized when she won a contest organized by Manpower Services, earning the title "Holland's Best Secretary."
In 1968, Hollander made a significant pivot, resigning from her position at the Dutch consulate to pursue a career as a high-priced escort in New York City, commanding rates of $1000 per night, a sum considerably higher in today's currency. She soon established her own brothel, rising to become New York's premier madam. Her activities led to an arrest for prostitution in 1971, resulting in her deportation from the United States. Despite this setback, Hollander channeled her experiences into a book. While she utilized the assistance of ghostwriter Yvonne Dunleavy and Robin Moore, who originated the book's title, the account of her life became a major success. In addition to her most famous book, she has authored numerous other works and produced plays in Amsterdam.
It's worth noting that certain biographical details remain elusive or unverified. For instance, her physical measurements, including height and weight, are inconsistent across various sources, making precise figures impossible to confirm. Similarly, her estimated net worth varies dramatically, from $1.5 billion to a far more modest $1 to $5 million. Her birthdate, a Tuesday, offers little concrete information. Even the names of her parents are not readily available in public records, casting some doubt on the specifics of her father's professional role.
Additional details paint a more colorful picture: Xaviera Hollander's astrological sign is Gemini, and she was born in the Year of the Goat. Her Life Path number is reportedly 11. Her birth flowers are the Rose, and
Digging deeper into her background reveals a story far more complex than her New York City exploits suggest. Born Xaviera de Vries in 1943, her early life unfolded in the Dutch East Indies under Japanese occupation, with her first three years spent in a Japanese internment camp. Though her birthplace later became Indonesia, she holds Dutch nationality. Her father was a psychiatrist and hospital director. Exhibiting an early aptitude for writing, she contributed to her school magazine before completing secretarial studies. Her proficiency in this field was recognized when she won a contest organized by Manpower Services, earning the title "Holland's Best Secretary."
In 1968, Hollander made a significant pivot, resigning from her position at the Dutch consulate to pursue a career as a high-priced escort in New York City, commanding rates of $1000 per night, a sum considerably higher in today's currency. She soon established her own brothel, rising to become New York's premier madam. Her activities led to an arrest for prostitution in 1971, resulting in her deportation from the United States. Despite this setback, Hollander channeled her experiences into a book. While she utilized the assistance of ghostwriter Yvonne Dunleavy and Robin Moore, who originated the book's title, the account of her life became a major success. In addition to her most famous book, she has authored numerous other works and produced plays in Amsterdam.
It's worth noting that certain biographical details remain elusive or unverified. For instance, her physical measurements, including height and weight, are inconsistent across various sources, making precise figures impossible to confirm. Similarly, her estimated net worth varies dramatically, from $1.5 billion to a far more modest $1 to $5 million. Her birthdate, a Tuesday, offers little concrete information. Even the names of her parents are not readily available in public records, casting some doubt on the specifics of her father's professional role.
Additional details paint a more colorful picture: Xaviera Hollander's astrological sign is Gemini, and she was born in the Year of the Goat. Her Life Path number is reportedly 11. Her birth flowers are the Rose, and
