Dorothy Dwan was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Wizard of Oz, The Drifter, and Square Crooks. Born on April 26, 1906, in Sedalia, Missouri, she became a notable actress during the silent film era.
Personal and Family Life
Dorothy’s birth name was Dorothy Belle Illgenfritz. She was married three times; her first husband was comedian Larry Semon, who she married in 1925 until his death in 1928. She later married Paul Northcutt Boggs Jr. in 1930, with whom she had a son named Paul, born in 1931. After their divorce, she married Fred Buckels, but specific details about that marriage are less known.
Death and Legacy
Dorothy Dwan passed away on March 17, 1981, in Ventura, California, due to lung cancer. Despite her early success in silent films and her memorable role in The Wizard of Oz, she is often less remembered compared to her contemporaries. Her decision to retire from acting to raise her family is a testament to her dedication to her personal life over her career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Wizard of Oz | 1925-02-12 | Dorothy |
| Kid Speed | 1924-11-16 | Lou DuPoys |
| The Land Beyond the Law | 1927-06-05 | Ginger O’Hara |
| The Fighting Legion | 1930-04-05 | Molly Williams |
| The California Mail | 1929-04-07 | Molly Butler |
| Hills of Kentucky | 1927-02-26 | Janet |
| The Great K&A Train Robbery | 1926-10-17 | Madge Cullen |
| The Dome Doctor | 1925-04-18 | Dorothy |
| Her Boy Friend | 1924-09-27 | Iva Method, the girl detective |
| The Call of the Klondike | 1926-06-24 | Violet Winter |
| The Devil Bear | 1929-02-19 | Werta |
| The Peacock Fan | 1929-08-01 | Peggy Kendall |
| The Drifter | 1929-03-18 | Ruth Martin |
| The Cloudhopper | 1925-06-06 | Dorothy Jack |
| Spuds | 1927-04-10 | Madelon |
| Behind the Counter | 1928-03-03 | Dorothy Brown |
| Silver Valley | 1927-10-02 | Sheila Blaine |
| Tumbling River | 1927-08-21 | Edna Barton |
| The Canyon of Light | 1926-12-05 | Concha Deane |
| Obey Your Husband | 1928-05-15 | Joyce Kennedy |
| The Perfect Clown | 1925-12-14 | The Girl |
| The Virgin Queen | 1928-05-12 | Bess Throckmorton |