Dickson, Dorothy (1893–1995)

views updated

Dickson, Dorothy (1893–1995)

American-born actress and ballroom dancer. Born July 25, 1893, in Kansas City, Missouri; died Sept 25, 1995, in London, England; studied at Ned Wayburn Studio in NY; m. Carl Hyson (dancer, div. 1936); children: Dorothy Hyson (1914–1996, actress).

Began career in America as an exponent of ballroom1996, actress). dancing, then appeared in The Ziegfeld Follies (1917 and 1918); made London debut dancing with Carl Hyson in London, Paris, and New York, and appeared in the title role of the musical Sally, introducing and popularizing the Jerome Kern song "Look for the Silver Lining" (both 1921); other plays include Peter Pan, Patricia, Tip-Toes, Wonder Bar, Casanova, Sunshine Sisters, Diversion, Fine and Dandy, Red Letter Day and As Long as They're Happy; films include Channel Crossing and Sword of Honour; worked as a dramatic actress from 1938 on; during WWII, was one of the leading figures behind the Stage Door Canteen, a London club frequented by Allied troops.