Dorothy Lee was an American actor who is best known for her roles in films like “Rio Rita,” “Hips, Hips, Hooray!,” and “Girl Crazy.” She made significant contributions to the film industry during the 1920s and 1930s, establishing herself as a beloved performer.
Personal and Family Life
Dorothy Lee was born on May 23, 1911, in Los Angeles, California, and her birth name was Marjorie Elizabeth Millsap. Throughout her life, she was married several times, including to John Bersbach, with whom she had four children. Her later marriage was to Charles Calderini, lasting until his death in 1985.
Career Highlights
Lee began her career in vaudeville and transitioned to film with her debut in “Syncopation” in 1929. She became well-known for her comedic talents and often appeared alongside famous duos like Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. Despite a flourishing career in the early years, she slowly stepped away from acting after 1939, although she made a few returns to the screen in the early 1940s.
Death and Legacy
Dorothy Lee passed away on June 24, 1999, in San Diego, California, due to respiratory failure. She is remembered for her charming performances and the joy she brought to audiences during the golden age of Hollywood. Her legacy continues through her contributions to classic films and her influence on comedic acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hook, Line and Sinker | 1930-12-26 | Mary Marsh |
| Rio Rita | 1929-09-15 | Dolly Bean |
| Caught Plastered | 1931-08-21 | Peggy Morton |
| The Cuckoos | 1930-05-04 | Anita |
| Peach-o-Reno | 1931-12-25 | Prudence Bruno |
| Girl Crazy | 1932-03-24 | Patsy |
| Cockeyed Cavaliers | 1934-06-29 | Mary Ann |
| The Rainmakers | 1935-10-25 | Margie Spencer |
| Hips, Hips, Hooray! | 1934-02-02 | Daisy Maxwell |
| Plane Crazy | 1933-12-23 | Dottie |
| Laugh and Get Rich | 1931-03-27 | Alice Austin |
| Too Many Cooks | 1931-07-18 | Alice Cook |
| Half Shot at Sunrise | 1930-09-19 | Annette Marshall |
| Cracked Nuts | 1931-04-18 | Betty Harrington |
| Twelve Crowded Hours | 1939-02-23 | Thelma |
| Local Boy Makes Good | 1931-11-27 | Julia Winters |
| The Curtain Falls | 1934-10-02 | Dot Scorsby |
| Dixiana | 1930-07-22 | Nanny – Pewee’s Girl |
| Syncopation | 1929-03-23 | Peggy |
| Laddie | 1940-01-18 | Louise |
| S.O.S Tidal Wave | 1939-06-02 | Mable |
| Silly Billies | 1936-03-20 | Mary Blake |
| The Stolen Jools | 1931-04-04 | Autograph Signer |
| Take a Chance | 1933-11-25 | Consuelo Raleigh |
| New Deal Rhythm | 1933-04-13 | Herself |
| Roar of the Press | 1941-04-17 | Frances Harris |
| Repent at Leisure | 1941-04-04 | Flip Sales Girl |
| Fashion News | 1928-11-06 | Self |
| Signing ’em Up | 1933-12-01 | Herself |
| School for Girls | 1934-03-22 | Dorothy Bosworth |
| The Old Homestead | 1935-10-05 | Elsie Wilson |
| Without Children | 1935-04-15 | Carol Cole-adult |
| Sweeping Against the Winds | 1930-06-20 | |
| A Preferred List | 1933-10-06 |