"GI" Jo Collins, A Bunny In The Jungle

Jo Collins: From Small-Town Roots to International Stardom and Patriotism

Born as Janet Canoy on August 5, 1945, in the small town of Lebanon, Oregon, Jo Collins would rise to become an icon of beauty, charm, and resilience. Her journey began in humble surroundings, but her destiny lay in the glamorous world of Playboy, where she would leave an indelible mark as one of the most memorable Playmates in the magazine’s history.

Jo’s ascent to fame began in an unexpected way. While working as a page for the popular TV game show Queen for a Day, she caught the eye of Playboy scouts. Her striking features, coupled with her radiant personality, made her a natural fit for the magazine’s aesthetic. Jo was soon featured as Playmate of the Month for December 1964, with her captivating pictorial shot by the renowned photographer Mario Casilli. Her natural beauty and magnetic charm won her fans worldwide, and she was later honored as Playmate of the Year in 1965—a prestigious accolade that cemented her status as a Playboy legend.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Jo's connection with Playboy extended beyond the pages of the magazine. She became an integral part of the Playboy Club, first as a Bunny and later as a Bunny Mother, where she took on a leadership role mentoring younger women in the Playboy fold. Her professionalism and warmth made her a beloved figure in the organization.

Of Norwegian and Spanish descent, Jo brought a unique multicultural allure to her work, which resonated with fans across the globe. Despite her glamorous career, she remained grounded, building personal relationships that added depth to her public persona. In 1970, she married professional baseball player Bo Belinsky, whose charismatic yet tumultuous career made headlines. Their marriage, which lasted five years, was a union of two public figures navigating the challenges of fame.

A Troubled Time

Playboy became an iconic publication during the Vietnam War era, resonating deeply with American G.I.s stationed overseas. While its photographs of nude women—celebrated for their approachable, "girl next door" allure in contrast to the high-fashion models featured in other magazines—initially drew readers, Playboy offered much more than titillating imagery. The magazine stood out for its intellectual and cultural depth, addressing the controversial issues of the 1960s and early 1970s through incisive feature articles. These pieces often critiqued the war and the policymakers behind it, providing a platform for thoughtful dissent.

Playboy became an iconic publication during the Vietnam War era, resonating deeply with American G.I.s stationed overseas. While its photographs of nude women—celebrated for their approachable, "girl next door" allure in contrast to the high-fashion models featured in other magazines—initially drew readers, Playboy offered much more than titillating imagery. The magazine stood out for its intellectual and cultural depth, addressing the controversial issues of the 1960s and early 1970s through incisive feature articles. These pieces often critiqued the war and the policymakers behind it, providing a platform for thoughtful dissent.

Despite its critical stance on the conflict, Playboy consistently championed the soldiers on the ground. As historian Amber Batura highlighted in The New York Times, the magazine made a deliberate effort to distinguish between opposition to the war and support for the troops. Playboy encouraged readers to honor the bravery, commitment, and humanity of the men serving in Vietnam. Reflecting this sentiment, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Halberstam wrote in a 1971 issue, “We admired their bravery and their idealism, their courage and dedication in the face of endless problems. We believed that they represented the best of American society.”

Through its unique combination of sensuality, intellectual engagement, and unwavering respect for the soldiers, Playboy became much more than a magazine—it was a cultural touchstone for G.I.s, offering both escapism and a sense of connection during a tumultuous time.

"GI" Jo

Jo’s beauty and talent were matched by her sense of duty and compassion, which she demonstrated during the Vietnam War.  Her dedication to bringing joy and comfort to soldiers during one of the most challenging times in U.S. history earned her a place in their hearts.

Her first trip to Vietnam was rooted in an extraordinary story of loyalty and commitment. Playboy had offered a unique promotion to West Point cadets, including a lifetime subscription to the magazine. Lieutenant Jack Price of the 173rd Airborne Brigade had subscribed under the promise that his first issue would be delivered in person by a Playmate. After Price was deployed to Vietnam and injured in action, Playboy decided to honor the agreement despite the risks and logistics involved. Jo Collins was chosen to deliver the magazine personally. 

Jo's trip to Vietnam is one of the most unique and heartfelt stories in the history of Playboy and its connection to the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Dubbed “G.I. Jo” for her efforts to entertain and support American troops, Jo became a symbol of beauty, patriotism, and kindness in one of the most challenging times for soldiers overseas.

The trip originated with an unusual promise made by Playboy magazine. During his final months at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Jack Price of the 173rd Airborne Brigade had subscribed to a lifetime membership of Playboy. As part of the promotion, the magazine promised that the first issue of his subscription would be personally delivered by a Playmate. After his commissioning, Price was deployed to Vietnam, and during his service, he was wounded in action. Despite the complexities of delivering on such a promise in a war zone, Playboy decided to honor it—and Jo Collins was chosen for the task.

In 1966, Jo traveled to Vietnam to personally deliver the magazine to Lieutenant Price. Her journey was not without risk. She ventured into a war zone, a testament to her courage and dedication to bringing joy to American soldiers. Her visit wasn’t just about fulfilling a promise; it became an emblematic moment of connection between home and the battlefield. Her arrival was met with immense gratitude and excitement, not just from Price but from the many soldiers who saw her as a symbol of the life and culture they were fighting to protect.

Jo’s trip wasn’t a one-off publicity stunt. She embraced her role as “G.I. Jo,” continuing to visit troops as part of United Service Organizations (USO) tours. Her presence offered soldiers a moment of respite and normalcy amidst the harsh realities of war. Jo’s willingness to travel into such dangerous territories spoke volumes about her character and her deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the men serving far from home.

The story of Jo Collins’ trip to Vietnam goes beyond a clever magazine promotion; it became a powerful reminder of the human connections that transcend politics and conflict. Her bravery, warmth, and dedication made her an enduring figure in the hearts of the soldiers she met and a key part of Playboy’s legacy during the Vietnam War era.

Jo continued her USO tours, becoming a beloved figure among servicemen. Her presence uplifted spirits and provided a sense of normalcy and cheer amidst the harsh realities of war. The nickname “G.I. Jo” encapsulated her courage, generosity, and patriotism.

A Lasting Legacy

Jo’s involvement with Playboy extended well beyond her early years of fame. In December 1979, she participated in the special "Playmates Forever!" pictorial, a celebration of the enduring legacy of the women who had graced the magazine’s pages. Her timeless beauty and grace continued to captivate audiences.

In 1998, Jo reunited with Lieutenant Jack Price for an online interview with Playboy fans, revisiting the unique story that had connected them decades earlier. This reunion highlighted the enduring impact of her career and the relationships she had formed along the way.

Jo Collins' life is a testament to her multifaceted legacy—an inspiring blend of beauty, resilience, and compassion. From her beginnings in Oregon to her rise as a Playboy icon, her journey has been one of remarkable achievements and heartfelt connections. Whether gracing magazine covers, mentoring young women, or supporting soldiers overseas, Jo Collins remains an unforgettable figure whose influence transcends generations.

(Photo Playboy Magazine)

You can view (most of) Jo Collin's iconic playboy edition and many other great artifacts of the Vietnam War at Ghosts of the Battlefield's gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. which is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the United States military. Established in 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the museum showcases an extensive collection of military artifacts spanning over 120 years.

Visitors to the gallery can explore a variety of exhibits that bring history to life, including displays of uniforms, equipment, and restored military vehicles. The museum also offers artifact identification and restoration services, ensuring that the legacy of U.S. military history is preserved for future generations.

For those interested in visiting, Ghosts of the Battlefield is located at 1329 Harpers Road Suite #103, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. You can contact them at 757-301-8718 for more information about their exhibits, events, and services

Photos Courtesy of: Playboy Magazine