Doris Dowling
Biography
Doris Dowling (May 15, 1923 – June 18, 2004) was an American actress who worked in film, stage and television. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she began her career as a chorus girl on Broadway before moving to Hollywood, following her elder sister Constance. Her first credited screen role was as Gloria, a barfly and drinking companion to Ray Milland in the 1945 film The Lost Weekend. She subsequently appeared in The Blue Dahlia, a picture starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. Facing a decline in post‑war opportunities, Dowling relocated to Italy, where she starred in acclaimed productions such as Bitter Rice and took part in Orson Welles’s European production of Othello. Known for her versatile performances, she accumulated 43 credited roles over her career and was also known as Doris Rita Smith.
Career overview
Doris Dowling (May 15, 1923 – June 18, 2004) was an American actress who worked across film, stage and television. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she began her performing career as a chorus‑girl on Broadway before moving to Hollywood, following her elder sister Constance. Dowling’s first credited screen appearance came in 1945 when she played Gloria, a barfly and drinking companion to Ray Milland’s character in the film The Lost Weekend. She followed that role with a part in The Blue Dahlia, a picture starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.
After World War II, as opportunities in the United States grew limited, Dowling relocated to Italy, joining her sister in seeking new prospects abroad. In Italy she appeared in several acclaimed productions, most notably the neorealist classic Bitter Rice. Her European work also included a role in Orson Welles’s production of Othello. Throughout her career she was credited under the name Doris Rita Smith as well as her given name. Dowling continued to act in various media until her death on June 18, 2004, at the age of 81.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
46 titles- Simon & Simon (1981) as Annette - Boutique Owner
- The Incredible Hulk (1977)
- The Car (1977) as Bertha Clements
- Wonder Woman (1975) as Mrs. Wilson
- Medical Story (1975) as Marjorie Lister
- Tell Me Where It Hurts (1974) as Reva
- Barnaby Jones (1973) as Miss Kelly
- Barnaby Jones (1973) as Margaret Singer
- Kojak (1973) as Rosemary
- The Streets of San Francisco (1972) as Miss Ryan
- Adam-12 (1968) as Mrs. Faye Jamison
- Birds Do It (1966) as Congresswoman Clanger
- Flipper (1964) as Aunt Martha
- My Living Doll (1964) as Irene Adams
- The Greatest Show on Earth (1963)
- Grindl (1963)
- The Gallant Men (1962)
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960) as Madelyn Grayson
- Checkmate (1960) as Helen Lacey
- The Tall Man (1960)
- The Chevy Mystery Show (1960) as Madame
- The Chevy Mystery Show (1960) as Genevieve Benoit
- Bonanza (1959) as Katie O'Brien
- One Step Beyond (1959) as Charlotte
- Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1958) as Carol Potter
- The Party Crashers (1958) as Mrs. Webster
- Wink of an Eye (1958) as Myrna Duchane
- Perry Mason (1957) as Zaneta Holmes
- Have Gun, Will Travel (1957)
- Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957) as Marion Carl
- Running Target (1956) as Smitty
- Cheyenne (1955) as Cora Culver
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Angie
- Climax! (1954) as Maria
- Climax! (1954) as Alicia
- Othello (1951) as Bianca
- Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (1951) as Ann Standish
- Alina (1950) as Marie
- Cuori sul mare (1950) as Doris
- Sarumba (1950) as Hildita
- Lights Out (1949)
- Bitter Rice (1949) as Francesca
- The Crimson Key (1947) as Margaret Loring
- The Blue Dahlia (1946) as Helen Morrison
- The Lost Weekend (1945) as Gloria
- And Now Tomorrow (1944) as Maid of Honor
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Doris Dowling best known for?
Doris Dowling is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Solar Crisis (1992), Beauty and the Beast (1946), The Car (1977), Wonder Woman (1975).
When and where was Doris Dowling born?
Doris Dowling was born on May 15, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. They passed away on June 18, 2004.
How many credits does Doris Dowling have?
Doris Dowling has accumulated over 46 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1944 to 1981.
What is Doris Dowling's background in cinema and television?
Doris Dowling (May 15, 1923 – June 18, 2004) was an American actress who worked in film, stage and television. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she began her career as a chorus girl on Broadway before moving to Hollywood, following her elder sister Constance. Her first credited screen role was as Gloria, a barfly and drinkin...
Doris Dowling by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Angie — aged about 32
- Perry Mason (1957) as Zaneta Holmes — aged about 34
- The Andy Griffith Show (1960) as Madelyn Grayson — aged about 37
- The Lost Weekend (1945) as Gloria — aged about 22
- Bonanza (1959) as Katie O'Brien — aged about 36
- Bitter Rice (1949) as Francesca — aged about 26
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