American actress and dancer who performed in the Ziegfeld Follies and was the last surviving Ziegfeld Girl, known for her remarkable longevity and career spanning over 90 years.
Doris Eaton Travis was an American dancer, stage and film actress, dance instructor, owner and manager, writer, and rancher, who is most famously known as the last surviving Ziegfeld Girl, a troupe of acclaimed chorus girls who performed as members in the Broadway theatrical revues of the Ziegfeld Follies.
Travis's association with the Ziegfeld Follies began at the tender age of 14, when she was cast as the youngest ever member of the show, going on to perform in numerous stage productions and silent films throughout the 1920s and early 1930s.
Born on March 14, 1904, in Norfolk, Virginia, Travis was one of seven children born to Mary Saunders and Charles H. Eaton. Raised as a Christian Scientist, Travis began attending dance lessons in Washington, D.C., at the age of four, along with her sisters Mary and Pearl Eaton.
In 1911, all three sisters were hired for a production of Maurice Maeterlinck's fantasy play The Blue Bird at the Belasco Theatre, marking the beginning of Travis's illustrious career in showbusiness.
Travis made her Broadway debut in the stage production of The Ziegfeld Follies of 1920, followed by numerous stage productions and silent films throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. Her performances earned her the reputation as one of the most talented and sought-after performers of her time.
When her career in stage and screen began to decline, Travis started a second career as a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Studios, where she rose through the ranks to own and manage a chain of nearly twenty schools over three decades.
After retiring from her career with Arthur Murray, Travis went on to manage a horse ranch with her husband and returned to school, earning several degrees. She also continued to share her experiences and wisdom through writing, publishing several books on her life and career.
In her later years, Travis was featured in several books and documentaries about the Ziegfeld Follies years and her other stage endeavors. She even returned to the stage as a featured performer in benefit performances, including a 2003 appearance at the Broadway revival of The Boy from Oz, where she danced alongside Hugh Jackman.
Doris Eaton Travis's remarkable life and career spanned over a century, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for her craft continue to inspire generations of performers and artists.
As the last surviving Ziegfeld Girl, Travis's legacy serves as a testament to the golden age of Broadway and the power of following one's dreams. Her remarkable journey is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a love for the arts, anything is possible.
Doris Eaton Travis passed away on May 11, 2010, at the age of 106, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.
Born in 1911
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her iconic role in "Kitty Foyle" and dazzled audiences with her captivating performances in classic Hollywood musicals.
Born in 1899
A legendary performer who dazzled audiences with his smooth dance moves, charming on-screen presence, and iconic song-and-dance numbers in classic Hollywood musicals.
Born in 1912
A legendary triple threat in Hollywood's Golden Age, starring in iconic movie musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" and "Anchors Aweigh," known for his athletic dance style and charming on-screen presence.
94 Years Old
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who starred in iconic movie musicals, including "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", and was a devoted collector of Hollywood memorabilia.
Born in 1922
A legendary actress and dancer who mesmerized audiences with her stunning beauty and captivating performances in classic movie musicals, particularly in iconic films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon".
Born in 1912
A talented actress and dancer who dazzled audiences with her impressive tap dancing skills and starred in several classic Hollywood musicals. She's often referred to as the "Queen of Tap."
Born in 1923
A talented triple threat, known for her iconic movie musicals, dazzling dance numbers, and charming on-screen presence. She was a beloved Hollywood star of the 1940s and 1950s .
Born in 1918
A glamorous Hollywood icon of the 1940s, known for her stunning beauty, captivating dance moves, and memorable film roles. She was a major sex symbol and pin-up girl during World War II.
