Dorothy Malone Net Worth: Key Facts About Daughters, Children, Family
Dorothy Malone was a celebrated American actress known for her remarkable career in Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for her exceptional performance in Written on the Wind (1956) and gained further fame in the television series Peyton Place. In this article, we explore Dorothy Malone’s net worth, children, family, and key facts about her life and career.
Quick Bio: Dorothy Malone Net Worth
| Full Name | Dorothy Eloise Malone |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1943–1992 |
| Famous For | Written on the Wind, Peyton Place |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1957) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | 2 Daughters |
| Date of Death | January 19, 2018 (aged 93) |
| Place of Death | Dallas, Texas, USA |
Early Life and Background
Dorothy Malone was born on January 30, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois. Her family later moved to Dallas, Texas, where she spent most of her early years. Dorothy was passionate about acting from a young age and actively participated in school plays.
She initially aspired to become a nurse but later shifted her focus to acting after being discovered by a talent scout while studying at Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Age and Physical Appearance
Dorothy Malone had a striking appearance that made her a popular choice in Hollywood.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type | Slim |
She was often cast as a glamorous leading lady due to her elegant looks and commanding screen presence.
Education
Dorothy Malone attended Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. After high school, she enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she studied drama and speech. It was during her time at SMU that a talent scout from RKO Pictures discovered her, leading her to Hollywood.
Dorothy Malone Net Worth
Dorothy Malone had a successful Hollywood career spanning five decades. She amassed a significant fortune from her work in films and television.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 1950s | $500,000 – $1 Million |
| 1970s | $2 Million – $3 Million |
| 1990s | $4 Million – $5 Million |
| 2018 (at the time of her death) | $5 Million |
Her net worth was primarily built through:
- Acting Career (Written on the Wind, Peyton Place, The Big Sleep)
- Television Roles (Peyton Place)
- Endorsements & Public Appearances
Who Is Dorothy Malone?
Dorothy Malone was an Academy Award-winning actress best known for her work in film noir, drama, and television. She started her career in the 1940s and gained widespread recognition in the 1950s and 1960s.
She became famous for her Oscar-winning role as Marylee Hadley in Written on the Wind (1956). She also gained widespread recognition for playing Constance MacKenzie in the hit TV show Peyton Place (1964–1968).
Even though her career slowed down in the 1970s, she remained an iconic figure in Hollywood history.
His Father
Dorothy Malone’s father was Robert Ignatius Malone, an accountant by profession. He moved his family from Chicago to Dallas during Dorothy’s childhood.
His Mother
Dorothy Malone’s mother was Esther Emma Smith. She was a homemaker who supported Dorothy’s passion for acting.
Children (Daughters & Family Life)
Dorothy Malone had two daughters from her second marriage to Robert Tomarkin, a stockbroker.
| Children | Details |
|---|---|
| Mimi Vanderstraaten | Eldest daughter |
| Diane Thompson | Youngest daughter |
Despite her busy Hollywood career, Dorothy always prioritized her children. After leaving Peyton Place, she took a step back from acting to focus on her daughters.
Movies: Dorothy Malone’s Most Famous Films
Dorothy Malone starred in over 80 films and TV shows. Some of her most popular movies include:
| Year | Movie Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | The Big Sleep | Acme Bookshop Clerk |
| 1953 | Scared Stiff | Rosie Collins |
| 1955 | Battle Cry | Mrs. Ellie Turner |
| 1956 | Written on the Wind | Marylee Hadley |
| 1957 | Too Much, Too Soon | Diana Barrymore |
| 1959 | Warlock | Lily Dollar |
| 1965 | Peyton Place (TV Series) | Constance MacKenzie |
| 1992 | Basic Instinct | Hazel Dobkins |
Her Academy Award-winning performance in Written on the Wind remains her most iconic role.
Current Life (Before Her Death in 2018)
In her later years, Dorothy Malone retired from Hollywood and lived a quiet life in Dallas, Texas. She made occasional public appearances but mostly focused on her personal life.
She passed away on January 19, 2018, at the age of 93 from natural causes.
Conclusion: Dorothy Malone Net Worth
Dorothy Malone was one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, earning fame for her dramatic roles. She had an illustrious career, winning an Academy Award and starring in numerous films and TV shows.
Despite her professional success, she valued her family and children, stepping away from Hollywood to focus on her daughters. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances in Written on the Wind and Peyton Place.
Her estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of her death reflects her enduring success in the entertainment industry.
FAQs: Dorothy Malone Net Worth
What was Dorothy Malone’s net worth at the time of her death?
Dorothy Malone had an estimated net worth of $5 million when she passed away in 2018.
Did Dorothy Malone have children?
Yes, she had two daughters—Mimi Vanderstraaten and Diane Thompson.
What was Dorothy Malone’s most famous movie?
She is best known for Written on the Wind (1956), which won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
What TV show made Dorothy Malone famous?
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Constance MacKenzie in the hit TV series Peyton Place (1964–1968).
