Carol Doda was an American actress who is best known for her role in the film Head, and her performances at the Condor Club in San Francisco. She became a cultural icon in the 1960s for popularizing topless performances.
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 29, 1937, in Solano County, California, Carol Doda grew up in San Francisco. Her parents divorced when she was just three years old, leading her to leave school early and start working as a cocktail waitress at fourteen. Doda had two children with whom she had limited contact; tragically, her daughter passed away before her. At the time of her death, she was survived by her son.
Career Highlights
Carol began her career as a lounge entertainer at the Condor Club and made headlines when she performed her first topless show there in 1964. This performance quickly catapulted her to fame, making her a prominent figure in American pop culture during the 1960s. She later enhanced her breasts and became one of the first performers to undergo such surgery for her career. Beyond her performances, Doda also worked in television as a spokesperson and formed her own rock band later in life. Even after retiring from stripping, she continued to entertain audiences in different venues.
Death and Legacy
Carol Doda passed away from lung and kidney failure on November 9, 2015, in San Francisco, at the age of 78. She is remembered not only for her groundbreaking performances but also for shaping the nightlife scene in San Francisco. Her influence remains evident in the adult entertainment industry, and she is celebrated as an iconic figure of her time.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
Head | 1968-11-06 | Sally Silicone |
Honky Tonk Nights | 1978-03-01 | Belle Barnette |
The Seven Seductions | 1981-10-09 | Dolly Jean |
Trashi | 1981-03-14 | Madam Bell |
Never So Deep | 1981-09-17 | Madame Vivian |
Carol Doda Topless at the Condor | 2024-03-22 | (Archive Footage) |
Rise and Fall of the World as Seen from a Sexual Position | 1972-06-01 |