Dody Goodman

Dody Goodman was an American actress best known for her roles in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” “Grease,” and “Diff’rent Strokes.” With her unique comedic style and quirky characters, she became a beloved figure in television and theater.

Personal and Family Life

Born as Dolores Goodman on October 28, 1914, in Columbus, Ohio, Dody was the daughter of Dexter Goodman, a cigar factory owner, and Leona Goodman. She had two siblings named Rose and Dexter Jr. Dody’s early interest in dance led her to New York, where she pursued a career in ballet before transitioning to Broadway musicals.

Career Highlights

Dody started her career as a ballet dancer, making her Broadway debut in the 1941 musical “Viva O’Brien.” She gained recognition through her work in various musicals, such as “Wonderful Town” and “Shoestring Revue,” where she showcased her comedic talents. Known for her distinctive high-pitched voice and whimsical persona, she found great success in television, appearing on popular shows like “The Tonight Show” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.”

Death and Legacy

Dody Goodman passed away peacefully on June 22, 2008, at the age of 93 in Englewood, New Jersey. Despite facing health challenges, she continued to participate in show business and attended special events well into her nineties. Dody’s unique comedic style and unforgettable characters have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Grease 1978-07-07 Blanche
Max Dugan Returns 1983-03-25 Mrs. Litke
Splash 1984-03-09 Mrs. Stimler
Grease 2 1982-06-11 Secretary Blanche Hodel
Cool as Ice 1991-10-18 Mae
Black Ribbon 2007-09-28 Aunt Gayle
Bedtime Story 1964-06-10 Fanny Eubank
Splash, Too 1988-05-01 Mrs. Stimler
The Chipmunk Adventure 1987-05-22 Miss Rebecca Miller (voice)
I Dream of Jeannie… Fifteen Years Later 1985-10-19 Scheherazade
Frozen Assets 1992-10-23 Mrs. Patterson
Family Reunion: A Relative Nightmare 1995-03-31 Grandma Dotty Dooley
The Grease Story 2017-11-05 Blanche Hodel
Valentine Magic on Love Island 1980-02-15 Ida Kramer
Cops n Roberts 1995-01-01
Private Resort 1985-05-03 Mrs. Rawlings
Samantha 1992-11-20 Mrs. Higgins
Silent Movie 1976-06-17 Tourist Woman (uncredited)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin’s Christmas Carol 1993-09-29 Miss Miller (voice)
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman 1976-01-05 Martha Larkin Shumway
St. Elsewhere 1982-10-26
The Love Boat 1977-09-24 Patricia Seldon
Alvin and the Chipmunks 1983-09-17
Diff’rent Strokes 1978-11-03 Sophia Drummond
The Steve Allen Show 1956-06-24 Self
Murder, She Wrote 1984-09-30 Beverly Hills
Boston Common 1996-03-21 Mrs. Gunderson
The Mary Tyler Moore Hour 1979-04-04
Punky Brewster 1984-09-16
Texas 1980-08-04
Crazy like a Fox 1984-12-30
Here and Now 1992-09-19 William Grandmother
Flying High 1978-09-29
Forever Fernwood 1977-10-03
The Love Boat 1977-09-24 Miss Chadwick
The Merv Griffin Show 1962-10-01 Self
The Ed Sullivan Show 1948-06-20 Self – Comedian
The Ed Sullivan Show 1948-06-20 Comedian
Stanley 1956-09-24 Betty
The Mike Douglas Show 1961-12-11 Self
Just Our Luck 1983-09-20