Doris Dowling was a talented American actress who made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of film, stage, and television. Born on May 15, 1923, in Detroit, she followed in the footsteps of her elder sister Constance, who had already made the move to Hollywood.
Dowling's early career saw her working as a chorus-girl on Broadway, before making her way to the big screen. Her first credited film role was in the 1945 movie The Lost Weekend, where she played the part of Gloria, a barfly and drinking companion to Ray Milland's character. She went on to appear in other notable films, including The Blue Dahlia, which starred Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.
As the post-war era brought a decline in work opportunities, Dowling made the bold decision to emigrate to Italy, a move that would ultimately prove to be a wise one. In Italy, she starred in several critically acclaimed films, including Bitter Rice, and even appeared in Orson Welles's European production of Othello in 1952, playing the role of Bianca.
Upon her return to the United States, Dowling continued to work in the entertainment industry, this time focusing on theatre and television. She appeared in a wide range of popular TV shows, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bonanza, Perry Mason, The Andy Griffith Show, and even The Incredible Hulk, Kojak, and The Dukes of Hazzard in 1984.
In addition to her television work, Dowling also co-starred in the sitcom My Living Doll alongside Bob Cummings and Julie Newmar. Her impressive performance in a revival of The Women on Broadway in 1973 earned her a shared Outer Critics Circle award.
In her personal life, Dowling was known to have had a string of high-profile relationships and marriages. She dated the renowned director Billy Wilder and was married three times, including to the famous band leader Artie Shaw, with whom she had a son named Jonathan. Her other husbands were Robert F. Blumofe, whom she married in 1956 and divorced in 1959, and Leonard B. Kaufman, whom she married in 1960 and remained with until her passing in 2004.
Throughout her life, Doris Dowling remained a talented and dedicated actress, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain to this day.
