Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Lamour, renowned for her exotic roles in "Road to..." films, captivated audiences as "The Sarong Queen", leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age.
Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton
Movie Actress
December 10, 1914
Sagittarius
September 22, 1996
81
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dorothy Lamour, born on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an American actress and singer who captivated audiences during the Golden Age of Hollywood. With her striking beauty, exotic charm, and melodious voice, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Raised in a modest household, Lamour displayed a passion for the arts from an early age. Despite limited resources, she pursued a career in show business, eventually signing a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1936.
Lamour’s big break came with her film debut in “The Jungle Princess” (1936), where her exotic beauty and captivating screen presence quickly made her a rising star. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, she starred in a series of successful films, including “The Hurricane” (1937), “Road to Singapore” (1940), and “Road to Morocco” (1942). Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the “Road” series made her a household name and earned her the nickname “The Sarong Queen” due to her frequent appearances in sarongs.
Dorothy Lamour’s talent and popularity earned her numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her role in “The Hurricane” and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Her contributions to the film industry cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. In addition to her acting career, Lamour was a skilled singer and recorded several successful songs, including “The Moon of Manakoora” and “I’ll String Along with You.”
Lamour married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to bandleader Herbie Kay in 1935, followed by a union with actor William Howard in 1939. Her third and longest-lasting marriage was to businessman William Ross Howard III, with whom she had two children. As her film career began to wane in the 1950s, Lamour transitioned into television and stage productions. She continued to perform until the 1980s, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the entertainment world.
Throughout her life, Dorothy Lamour was actively involved in charitable work and supported various organizations. Her contributions to Hollywood’s Golden Age continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Her beauty, talent, and charisma left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying her status as a true Hollywood legend.