Ann Dvorak was an American actress who is best known for Scarface, Three on a Match, and Gangs of New York. Born Anna McKim on August 2, 1911, in New York City, she gained fame in the early days of sound films.
Personal and Family Life
Dvorak was the daughter of silent film star Anna Lehr and director Edwin McKim. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she didn’t speak to her father for many years. She had three marriages: to Leslie Fenton, Igor Dega, and Nicholas Wade. During World War II, she moved to England and worked as an ambulance driver to support the war effort.
Career Highlights
Ann Dvorak entered the film industry as a dance instructor and rose to prominence with her performance in Scarface (1932). Despite her success, she often criticized the quality of her films, which led to disagreements with studio executives. She enjoyed reading and had a significant collection of rare books.
Death and Legacy
Ann Dvorak passed away on December 10, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to stomach cancer. She is remembered for her contributions to cinema during the early sound era and her strong performances in various notable films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sarface | 1932-04-09 | Francesca ‘Cesca’ Camonte |
| Abilene Town | 1946-01-11 | Rita |
| The Hollywood Revue of 1929 | 1929-11-23 | Chorus Girl from Omaha (uncredited) |
| Gangs of New York | 1938-05-23 | Connie Benson |
| ‘G’ Men | 1935-05-04 | Jean Morgan |
| The Secret of Convict Lake | 1951-07-29 | Rachel Schaeffer |
| Flame of Barbary Coast | 1945-05-28 | Ann ‘Flaxen’ Tarry |
| Blind Alley | 1939-05-11 | Mary |
| Three on a Match | 1932-10-29 | Vivian Revere |
| The Long Night | 1947-05-28 | Charlene |
| I Was an American Spy | 1951-04-14 | Mrs. Claire ‘High Pockets’ Phillips |
| Girls of the Road | 1940-07-24 | Kay Warren |
| Love Is a Racket | 1932-06-18 | Sally Condon |
| Heat Lightning | 1934-03-01 | Myra |
| This Was Paris | 1942-03-21 | Ann Morgan |
| Murder in the Clouds | 1934-12-15 | Judy Wagner |
| Gentlemen Are Born | 1934-11-17 | Susan Merrill |
| The Crowd Roars | 1932-04-16 | Lee Merrick |
| Thanks a Million | 1935-11-13 | Sally Mason |
| Merrily We Live | 1938-03-04 | Minerva Harlan |
| Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone | 1950-12-08 | Connie Kepplar |
| Bright Lights | 1935-07-27 | Fay Wilson |