Who Is Dorothy Malone? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 29, 1924, Dorothy Malone was an acclaimed American actress known for her remarkable contributions to film and television during the Golden Age of Hollywood. As of 2025, she would have celebrated her 101st birthday. Dorothy was recognized for her captivating performances in various films and television series, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her most notable role as Mary Prescott in the soap opera "Peyton Place" earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1956, showcasing her incredible talent and versatility as an actress. Sadly, Dorothy Malone passed away on January 19, 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy.
| Occupation | Democrats |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1924 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 January, 2018 |
| Died Place | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Dorothy Malone's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dorothy Malone was known for her timeless beauty and elegance. Throughout her career, she maintained a classic Hollywood appearance. Her height was approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), and her weight varied throughout her career, commonly ranging between 120–130 pounds (54–59 kg). While specific measurements are not readily available, her poise and style were often noted, contributing to her status as a Hollywood icon.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Dorothy Malone was known to have had several relationships. She was married twice, firstly to actor and director Jacques Bergerac from 1959 to 1963, and then to screenwriter and director R. John McClure from 1963 to 1971. Dorothy had three children: two daughters and one son. Despite her public persona, she maintained a level of privacy regarding her family life, focusing primarily on her flourishing career in the spotlight.
From 1964–1968, she played the lead role of Constance MacKenzie on the ABC primetime serial Peyton Place except for a brief stretch where she was absent due to surgery. Lola Albright filled in until her return.
Malone agreed for $3,000 a week less than ABC's offer of $10,000 weekly, if she could be home nightly for 6 pm dinner with her two daughters and no shooting on weekends. "I never turned down a mother role", said Malone. "I like playing mothers.
I started out as a very young girl in Hollywood doing Westerns, portraying a mother with a couple of kids."
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Dorothy Malone's estimated net worth was approximately $5 million at the time of her passing in 2018. Her wealth primarily stemmed from her illustrious career in Hollywood, which included significant earnings from film roles, television appearances, and stage performances. Her iconic status contributed to her financial success, with ongoing recognition of her work even after her death.
Career, Business and Investments
Dorothy Malone's career spanned over six decades, starting in the late 1940s. She appeared in numerous films, including "Written on the Wind" (1956), which further solidified her status as a leading actress. In addition to her film career, she became well-known for her roles in television, particularly on the long-running series "Peyton Place."
While primarily recognized as an actress, Malone also explored business ventures, including a brief stint in the hotel industry, and made savvy investments, ensuring her financial stability.
Dorothy Malone (born Mary Dorothy Maloney; January 29, 1924 – January 19, 2018) was an American actress. Her film career began in 1943, and in her early years, she played small roles, mainly in B-movies, with the exception of a supporting role in The Big Sleep (1946).
After a decade, she changed her image, particularly after her role in Written on the Wind (1956), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Social Network
In the era before social media, Dorothy Malone did not have a direct presence on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. However, her legacy continues to be celebrated through various fan pages and tributes on social media, showcasing her remarkable work and impact on the entertainment world. Fans continue to share memories and classic clips, reminding new audiences of her contributions.
However, she was working more and more in television: Route 66 ("Fly Away Home", 1961), Checkmate ("The Heat of Passion", 1961), Death Valley Days ("The Watch", 1961), The Dick Powell Theatre ("Open Season", 1961), Dr Kildare ("The Administrator", 1962), General Electric Theatre ("Little White Lie", 1961, "Somebody Please Help Me", 1962), The Untou
chables with Stack ("The Floyd Gibbons Story", 1962), and The Greatest Show on Earth ("Where the Wire Ends", 1963).
Malone was in the first Beach Party (1963) movie, doing most of her scenes with Robert Cummings. She made an uncredited cameo appearance in Fate Is the Hunter (1964).
Education
Before embarking on her acting career, Dorothy Malone attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied drama. Her education and training laid a strong foundation for her acting career, enabling her to excel in an industry that was becoming increasingly competitive.
When she was six months old, her family moved to Dallas, Texas. There she modeled for Neiman Marcus and attended Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Highland Park High School, Hockaday Junior College, and later, Southern Methodist University (SMU). She originally considered becoming a nurse.
While performing in a play at SMU, she was spotted by a talent scout, Eddie Rubin, who had been looking to find and cast a male actor. Malone recalled in 1981,
