A sultry actress and singer who starred in popular 1930s-40s films, often playing exotic roles, and was known for her signature sarong dresses. She was a major Hollywood star during her time.
Dorothy Lamour, born Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton, was an American actress and singer who stole the hearts of audiences with her exotic beauty, captivating performances, and iconic film series, Road to...
Lamour began her career in the 1930s as a big band singer, eventually moving to Hollywood in 1936, where she signed with Paramount Pictures. Her breakthrough role as Ulah in The Jungle Princess (1936) marked the beginning of her image as the Sarong Queen, a title that would stick with her throughout her career.
The Road to... series, co-starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, is undoubtedly Lamour's most notable achievement. The series, comprising seven films, including Road to Singapore (1940), Road to Zanzibar (1941), and Road to Bali (1952), became a cultural phenomenon, bringing laughter and joy to audiences during the tumultuous 1940s. Lamour's chemistry with her co-stars, paired with her signature blend of wit, charm, and beauty, made her an integral part of the series' success.
As her film career began to wane, Lamour turned her attention to stage and television work. She revitalized her nightclub act in the 1970s and even released her autobiography, My Side of the Road, in 1980. This multifaceted approach allowed her to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry, even as the film landscape changed around her.
In 1943, Lamour married William Ross Howard III, with whom she had two sons. The couple remained together until Howard's death in 1978. Lamour's personal life was marked by a sense of stability and normalcy, a stark contrast to the glamorous, yet often tumultuous, world of Hollywood.
Dorothy Lamour's legacy extends far beyond her iconic film series. She paved the way for future generations of actresses, showcasing her versatility and range in a industry often limited by typecasting. Her contributions to the world of entertainment, as well as her generosity and charity work, have cemented her status as a true Hollywood legend.
Dorothy Lamour passed away on September 22, 1996, at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.
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