Dixie Dunbar was an American actress known for her vibrant performances in the 1930s and 1940s, including roles in the films George White’s Scandals, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.
Personal and Family Life
Dixie Dunbar was born Christina Elizabeth Dunbar on January 19, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama. She was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and developed a passion for dance at a young age. Throughout her life, she was married three times but did not have any children. Her second husband, Robert M. Herndon, was an executive at Cinerama Corp., and her third husband, Jack L. King, was a millionaire from Miami Beach.
Career
After starting her career on Broadway, Dixie transitioned to film and became known for her dancing and on-screen charisma. She appeared in numerous movies throughout the 1930s, often taking on both dancing and acting roles. Despite her fame, she felt disappointed with the film industry and returned to theater, later gaining recognition in television commercials for Old Gold cigarettes.
Death and Legacy
Dixie Dunbar passed away from a heart attack on August 29, 1991, in Miami Beach, Florida, at the age of 72. Throughout her career, she entertained audiences with her talent and charm, leaving a lasting impression in both film and television history. Her journey through show business reflects the challenges and triumphs of many artists of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander’s Ragtime Band | 1938-05-24 | Specialty |
| Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm | 1938-03-18 | Receptionist |
| Pigskin Parade | 1936-10-23 | Ginger Jones |
| Cinema Circus | 1937-01-27 | Herself (uncredited) |
| Professional Soldier | 1935-12-27 | Entertainer |
| Girls Dormitory | 1936-08-08 | Luisa |
| King of Burlesque | 1936-01-03 | Marie |
| Love on a Budget | 1938-03-04 | Betty Fisher |
| Sing, Baby, Sing | 1936-08-21 | Telephone Operator |
| George White’s Scandals | 1934-03-15 | Patsy Day |
| Educating Father | 1936-05-23 | Millicent |
| Sing and Be Happy | 1937-06-25 | Della Dunn |
| Freshman Year | 1938-09-02 | Dotty Wright |
| Walking Down Broadway | 1938-03-11 | Tiny Bronson |
| Take It or Leave It | 1944-07-17 | Herself |
| One in a Million | 1937-01-01 | Goldie |
| Back to Nature | 1936-08-14 | Mabel |
| Once Over Lightly | 1938-12-17 | Judy Kapouris |
| The First Baby | 1936-04-02 | Maude Holbrook |