Diana Dors
Diana Dors, born Diana Mary Fluck on October 23, 1931, was an English actress and sex symbol who gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her glamorous looks, buxom figure, and blonde bombshell image.
Early Life and Career: Diana Dors was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. She began her acting career at a young age and made her film debut in 1947 with a small role in "The Shop at Sly Corner." Her breakthrough came with her appearance in the film "Diamond City" (1949), where she played a supporting role.
Rise to Fame: In the 1950s, Dors gained recognition as a British sex symbol and became known for her provocative and glamorous image. She starred in several popular British films, including "Lady Godiva Rides Again" (1951), "Yield to the Night" (1956), and "The Long Haul" (1957). Her sultry looks and seductive on-screen persona garnered her a large fan following and made her one of the most popular pin-up girls of the era.
International Success: Dors ventured to Hollywood in the late 1950s to pursue an international film career. She appeared in films such as "I Married a Woman" (1958) and "The Unholy Wife" (1957), but her success in the United States was limited. Despite this, she continued to work on both sides of the Atlantic and starred in numerous films throughout the 1960s.
Later Career and Personal Life: As the 1960s progressed, Dors faced challenges in maintaining her earlier success. She transitioned into television work, making guest appearances on various shows and hosting her own talk show, "Diana." In the 1970s and 1980s, she continued to act in films and television shows while also performing on stage.
Diana Dors had a turbulent personal life. She married and divorced three times. Her first marriage was to Dennis Hamilton, a stagehand she met at the age of 18. They had two sons together but divorced in 1959. Her second and third marriages were to actor Richard Dawson and businessman Alan Lake, respectively. She had two more children with Alan Lake.
Later Years and Legacy: Diana Dors continued to work in the entertainment industry until her death. Unfortunately, her health began to decline, and she battled various illnesses, including cancer. Diana Dors passed away on May 4, 1984, at the age of 52.
Diana Dors left behind a legacy as one of Britain's most iconic and enduring sex symbols. She was known for her vivacious personality, captivating beauty, and undeniable talent. Her contributions to the film and entertainment industry continue to be celebrated, and she remains an influential figure in British cinema history.
Quotes:
"I used to go to Grauman's Chinese or Pantages and sit there waiting to see my faceless body on the screen. Texas began to look awfully near and awfully good, and "Clara Lou" had a sweet sound to my ears."
"I can whistle through my fingers, bulldog a steer, light a fire with two sticks, shoot a pistol with fair accuracy, set type, and teach school . . ."
"They nicknamed me "The Oomph Girl", and I loathe that nickname! Just being known by a nickname indicates that you're not thought of as a true actress . . . It's just crap! If you call an actress by her looks or a reaction, then that's all she will ever be thought of as."
[on Errol Flynn] "He was one of the wild characters of the world, but he had a strange, quiet side. He camouflaged himself completely. In all the years I knew him, I never really knew what lay underneath and I doubt if many people did."
- Ann Sheridan
Trivia:
A tribute to Diana Dors, "Good Day", was written by Ray Davies after her death and is included on The Kinks' album "Word of Mouth" (1984).
She dismissed most of the films she appeared in as rubbish but cherished A Kid for Two Farthings (1955), Blonde Sinner (1956) and Deep End (1970).
She had millions of dollars stashed in secret that was never uncovered after she died.
Hosted sex parties at her London home during the Swinging '60s.
In 1947 she was put under contract by J. Arthur Rank.
She dismissed most of the films she appeared in as rubbish but cherished A Kid for Two Farthings (1955), Blonde Sinner (1956) and Deep End (1970).
She had millions of dollars stashed in secret that was never uncovered after she died.
Hosted sex parties at her London home during the Swinging '60s.
In 1947 she was put under contract by J. Arthur Rank.
