Dorothy Malone had a net worth of $25 million at the time of her passing in 2018. She was an American actress known for her stunning performances in both film and television. Born on January 30, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, she became famous for her roles during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Malone is best remembered for winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1956 for her role in “Written on the Wind.” Her talent shone brightly throughout her career, making her a beloved figure in entertainment. With appearances in popular shows like “Peyton Place,” she left a lasting impact on audiences and continues to be celebrated today.
Wiki Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dorothy Eloise Maloney |
| Born | January 29, 1924 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | January 19, 2018 |
| Deathplace | Dallas, Texas |
| Parents | Robert Ignatius Maloney (father), Esther Emma “Eloise” Smith (mother) |
| Early Life | Moved to Dallas at six months old. Attended Ursuline Convent and Highland Park High School. Studied at Southern Methodist University. |
Dorothy Malone’s early life in Texas set the stage for her future career in acting. She became famous for her roles in movies and television shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Dorothy Malone, born Mary Dorothy Maloney on January 29, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, was the youngest of five children. Her parents were Esther Emma “Eloise” Smith and Robert Ignatius Maloney, an auditor for AT&T. When she was six months old, her family moved to Dallas, Texas.
In Texas, Malone attended Ursuline Convent and Highland Park High School. She later enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU). During a school production at SMU, a talent scout from RKO Pictures discovered her. This led to her signing a contract with RKO and moving to Hollywood.
Malone made her film debut in 1943 with “Gildersleeve on Broadway.” Throughout the 1940s, she took minor roles in several films such as “The Falcon and the Co-eds,” “Higher and Higher,” “Seven Days Ashore,” “Show Business,” and “Youth Runs Wild.” These early experiences laid the groundwork for her future success in acting.
Major Career Highlights
Dorothy Malone’s career included several key milestones that showcased her talent and versatility.
- Early Years: Dorothy Malone began her acting journey in the mid-1940s. She played small roles in B-movies after being signed by RKO at age 18. Later, she moved to Warner Bros., gaining recognition through films like The Big Sleep (1946) and Colorado Territory (1949).
- Breakthrough and Oscar Win: Her major breakthrough occurred with her role in Written on the Wind (1956). This performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film was directed by Douglas Sirk, who also directed her notable role in The Tarnished Angels (1957).
- Television Success: Dorothy Malone found further success on television as Constance MacKenzie on Peyton Place from 1964 to 1968. This role became iconic and solidified her status as a talented actress.
These highlights illustrate Dorothy Malone’s impactful contributions to both film and television throughout her career.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Dorothy Malone’s net worth is $25 million, but her earnings reflect her status as a top actress. During her time on the popular television series “Peyton Place,” she earned $250,000 per year in the 1960s. This amount was significant for television at that time and showed her popularity.
Malone’s income sources included:
- Film Roles: She gained fame from movies like “The Big Sleep” and “Written on the Wind.”
- Television Appearances: Besides “Peyton Place,” she appeared in various TV shows and films throughout her career.
- Endorsements: Like many actresses, she likely participated in endorsements that added to her earnings.
Although exact figures for Malone’s total wealth are not available, it is clear that she had a successful career with multiple sources of income.
Notable Achievements and Awards
Dorothy Malone achieved significant recognition in her acting career, showcasing her talent across film and television.
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress: In 1957, Malone won this prestigious award for her role as Marylee Hadley in the film “Written on the Wind,” directed by Douglas Sirk. This performance highlighted her skills and secured her place in Hollywood history.
- Notable Film Roles:
- “The Big Sleep” (1946): Malone played a supporting role opposite Humphrey Bogart, which became one of her memorable performances.
- “The Tarnished Angels” (1957): She portrayed LaVerne Shumann, demonstrating depth and versatility.
- “Peyton Place” (1964): As Constance MacKenzie, she took on a complex character that captivated audiences.
- Television Success:
- “Peyton Place” (1964-1968): Malone starred as Constance MacKenzie in this popular ABC prime-time soap opera. Her role contributed to the show’s success and popularity.
- Various Appearances: Malone also appeared on shows like “Route 66,” “Death Valley Days,” and “Dr. Kildare,” further showcasing her acting range.
These achievements reflect Dorothy Malone’s remarkable contributions to both film and television, marking her as a talented actress of her time.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
Dorothy Malone’s personal life included multiple marriages and divorces, shaping her experiences beyond her acting career.
- Jacques Bergerac (1959-1964): Malone married French actor Jacques Bergerac on June 28, 1959, in Hong Kong. They had two daughters, Mimi (born 1960) and Diane (born 1962). Their marriage ended in divorce on December 8, 1964.
- Robert Tomarkin (1969): Malone married businessman Robert Tomarkin on April 3, 1969, at the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. This marriage was annulled after Malone claimed he married her for her money.
- Charles Huston Bell (1971-1974): Malone wed Dallas motel chain executive Charles Huston Bell on October 2, 1971. They divorced in 1974; however, she remained in Dallas after their split.
Legal Issues
Malone faced various legal challenges throughout her life that impacted her personal decisions and relationships. Specific details about these issues remain limited but highlight the complexities of her experiences outside of acting engagements.
Spouse and Partner
Dorothy Malone was married three times during her life.
- Jacques Bergerac (1959-1964): Malone’s first husband, Jacques, was a French actor who later worked as an executive in a cosmetics company. They tied the knot on June 28, 1959, at St. Theresa’s Church in Hong Kong. The couple had two daughters, Mimi and Diane, before divorcing in 1964.
- Robert Tomarkin (1969): Malone’s second marriage lasted only a few weeks and ended with an annulment. Robert Tomarkin was a stockbroker.
- Charles Huston Bell (1971-1974): Malone married Charles in 1971. He was a businessman and hotel executive based in Dallas. Their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1974.
These relationships highlight different phases of Malone’s personal life alongside her successful acting career.
Age, Weight, and Height
Dorothy Malone lived for 93 years, from January 29, 1924, to January 19, 2018. During her lifetime, she became a well-known actress in Hollywood.
Malone weighed 122 pounds throughout her career. Her weight contributed to her on-screen presence and style.
Standing at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (or 1.70 meters), Malone had a tall and striking figure that made her stand out in films. This height helped her portray various roles effectively, showcasing her talent as an actress.
Conclusion
Dorothy Malone’s legacy in Hollywood remains influential and inspiring. With her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft she carved a niche that many aspire to replicate. Her ability to transition seamlessly between film and television showcases not only her versatility but also her enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.
Her impactful performances continue to resonate with audiences old and new highlighting the importance of strong female characters in cinema. As fans reflect on her contributions they celebrate a remarkable actress whose work will be remembered for generations to come. Dorothy Malone truly stands as a testament to the art of acting and its power to captivate hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorothy Malone?
Dorothy Malone was a celebrated American actress, born Mary Dorothy Maloney in 1924. She is best known for her versatile acting skills and significant contributions to film and television.
What are some of Dorothy Malone’s most famous roles?
Malone gained fame for her performances in classic films such as “The Big Sleep” and “Written on the Wind.” Her role in “Written on the Wind” earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1957.
When did Dorothy Malone start her acting career?
Dorothy Malone began her acting career in the mid-1940s, taking on minor roles at RKO Pictures and Warner Bros before rising to prominence.
Did Dorothy Malone work in television?
Yes, she starred as Constance MacKenzie on the popular TV series “Peyton Place” from 1964 to 1968, which solidified her status as a talented actress.
How many times was Dorothy Malone married?
Dorothy Malone was married three times: first to Jacques Bergerac (1959-1964), then to Robert Tomarkin (1969), and finally to Charles Huston Bell (1971-1974).
What were Dorothy Malone’s physical attributes?
Dorothy Malone stood at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed approximately 122 pounds. These attributes contributed significantly to her captivating on-screen presence.
