Dorothy Lamour Bio (Biography)
Real name:
Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton
Date of birth:
December 10. 1914
Place of birth:
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Astrology Sign:
Sagittarius
Height:
5' 5" (1.65 m)
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Biography
Dorothy Lamour is an actress and model who rose to fame in the late 30's as a sex symbol, although she was a very talented actress, too, appearing in both comedies and dramas. She was also a singer and radio personality, starting her career with a short weekly musical program on NBC Radio.
Lamour was born as Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans to John Slaton and Carmen LaPorte. Her mother later married Carlo Lambour, from whom Lamour took her professional last name. She won the title of Miss New Orleans in 1931 and moved to Chicago to purse a singing career. In 1936, she would move to Hollywood and begin her life as an actress.
Lamour's breakout role was in "The Jungle Princess," a female version of Tarzan. This also gave Lamour the nickname "The Sarong Girl" because of her costume for the role. She then started in the "Road To..." series with notable actors such as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. These movies were incredibly popular, although Lamour's role would be downplayed in later years as Crosby's and Hope's careers flourished while her own declined.
During World War II, Lamour became a pinup girl and was one of the driving forces behind the war bond tours, which had movie stars helping sell war bonds to the public. It is estimated that Lamour's sales of war bonds alone total over $21 million.
In the 1950's, Lamour's career sank, and she turned to working as a nightclub entertainer, although she would return to film in the 60's for some small roles and eventually end up on the stage. She also went on to publish her autobiography, guest star on television series, and appear on talk shows. On September 22, 1996, Lamour suffered a heart attack at her home in California and died at the age of 81.
Lamour was born as Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans to John Slaton and Carmen LaPorte. Her mother later married Carlo Lambour, from whom Lamour took her professional last name. She won the title of Miss New Orleans in 1931 and moved to Chicago to purse a singing career. In 1936, she would move to Hollywood and begin her life as an actress.
Lamour's breakout role was in "The Jungle Princess," a female version of Tarzan. This also gave Lamour the nickname "The Sarong Girl" because of her costume for the role. She then started in the "Road To..." series with notable actors such as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. These movies were incredibly popular, although Lamour's role would be downplayed in later years as Crosby's and Hope's careers flourished while her own declined.
During World War II, Lamour became a pinup girl and was one of the driving forces behind the war bond tours, which had movie stars helping sell war bonds to the public. It is estimated that Lamour's sales of war bonds alone total over $21 million.
In the 1950's, Lamour's career sank, and she turned to working as a nightclub entertainer, although she would return to film in the 60's for some small roles and eventually end up on the stage. She also went on to publish her autobiography, guest star on television series, and appear on talk shows. On September 22, 1996, Lamour suffered a heart attack at her home in California and died at the age of 81.