Who Is Dorothy Kilgallen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 3, 1913, Dorothy Kilgallen was a prominent American journalist and television personality whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s. Known for her sharp wit and investigative prowess, Kilgallen became a household name as a panelist on the popular TV show "What's My Line?" and as a columnist for the New York Journal-American. As of 2025, she would have been 112 years old, an age she never reached, having tragically passed away on November 8, 1965. Her legacy, however, continues to influence journalism and media.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1913 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 November, 1965 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Dorothy Kilgallen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dorothy Kilgallen's exact height and weight are not well-documented, but it is estimated that she stood around 5 feet 5 inches tall. Known for her elegant appearance, she embodied the fashion trends of her time, often dressed in stylish clothing suitable for public appearances and her television performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dorothy Kilgallen was married to actor and producer Richard K. Kilgallen in 1940. The couple had three children together. Throughout her career, there were rumors and speculation about her personal life, including alleged affairs. However, she remained dedicated to her family and her work. As of 2025, she continues to be remembered for her resilience and contributions to journalism.
She was of Irish descent, and Catholic. She had one sister, Eleanor (1919–2014), who was six years younger. The family moved to various regions of the United States until 1920, when the International News Service hired James Kilgallen as a roving correspondent based in New York City. The family settled in Brooklyn, New York.
Dorothy Kilgallen was a student at Erasmus Hall High School. After completing two semesters at The College of New Rochelle, she dropped out to take a job as a reporter for the New York Evening Journal. The newspaper was owned and operated by the Hearst Corporation, which also owned International News Service, her father's employer.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 1965, Dorothy Kilgallen had an estimated net worth in the range of $1 million, which translates to approximately $8 million today when adjusted for inflation. Her income was primarily derived from her writing career, television appearances, and various other media engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Kilgallen began her career as a reporter in the 1930s and quickly made a name for herself as an investigative journalist. She was known for covering high-profile criminal cases and was one of the first female columnists to gain significant readership. Beyond her journalism, Kilgallen's role on "What's My Line?" introduced her to a widespread audience and allowed her to bridge the gap between entertainment and journalism. She also authored a book titled "The Celebrity Next Door," further solidifying her status in the media landscape.
Dorothy Mae Kilgallen (July 3, 1913 – November 8, 1965) was an American columnist, journalist, and television game show panelist. After spending two semesters at the College of New Rochelle, she started her career shortly before her 18th birthday as a reporter for the Hearst Corporation's New York Evening Journal.
In 1938, she began her newspaper column "The Voice of Broadway", which was eventually syndicated to more than 140 papers. In 1950, she became a regular panelist on the television game show What's My Line?, continuing in the role until her death.
Social Network
While Dorothy Kilgallen did not have contemporary social media accounts, her impact resonated throughout various platforms, with many articles and discussions dedicated to her legacy. In the present day, fans and historians continue to celebrate her contributions through websites, blogs, and social media groups that discuss her life and work.
In 1936, Kilgallen and two other New York newspaper reporters competed in a race around the world, using only means of transportation available to the general public. She was the only woman to compete in the contest and came in second.
She described the race in her book Girl Around The World, which is credited as the story idea for the 1937 movie Fly-Away Baby starring Glenda Farrell as a character partly inspired by Kilgallen.
Education
Kilgallen attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart and later the University of Notre Dame before embarking on her career in journalism. Her education laid the groundwork for her analytical skills and her eventual success as a writer and television personality.
