Dorothy Jordan
Actor
About Dorothy Jordan
Dorothy Jordan was a prominent American actress of the early sound era, known for her delicate beauty and wholesome, 'girl-next-door' screen persona. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, she initially studied at Southwestern University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before making her mark on the Broadway stage in musicals like 'The Garrick Gaieties' and 'Funny Face.' Her success on stage caught the attention of Hollywood scouts, leading to her film debut in the 1929 production of 'The Taming of the Shrew' alongside Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Throughout the early 1930s, she became a fixture at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), often cast as the romantic interest for leading men like Ramon Novarro, Clark Gable, and Robert Montgomery. Her career reached a pinnacle with roles in films such as 'Min and Bill' (1930) and 'The Wet Parade' (1932), where she demonstrated a capacity for both light comedy and sincere drama. However, her acting career was largely curtailed following her marriage to the powerful film producer Merian C. Cooper in 1933, after which she mostly retired from the screen, making only a handful of appearances in films directed by family friend John Ford in later years.
The Craft
On Screen
Jordan was characterized by a naturalistic and sincere acting style that contrasted with the more theatrical performances of the silent era. She possessed a soft, melodic voice that was perfectly suited for the early sound technology of the 'talkies.' Her screen presence was often described as 'winsome' and 'sweet,' making her the quintessential cinematic sweetheart of the early 1930s. While she excelled in romantic roles, her performance in 'Min and Bill' showed she could hold her own in gritty, emotional dramas alongside powerhouse performers.
Milestones
- Made her film debut in the first talking version of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1929).
- Signed a prestigious contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1929.
- Starred as the ingenue in the massive box-office hit 'Min and Bill' (1930) opposite Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery.
- Became a frequent leading lady for Ramon Novarro, appearing in five films with him.
- Successfully transitioned from Broadway musical theater to dramatic and comedic film roles.
- Came out of retirement to work with legendary director John Ford in the 1950s.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- WAMPAS Baby Star (1931) - Selected as one of the young actresses on the threshold of stardom.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dorothy Jordan represented the 'New Hollywood' of the early 1930s—actresses who were trained for sound and possessed a more relatable, less exotic appeal than the vamps of the 1920s. Her image helped define the MGM 'house style' of the era, which emphasized high production values and wholesome, sentimental storytelling. As a WAMPAS Baby Star, she was part of a curated group of starlets who symbolized the industry's optimism during the transition to sound and the onset of the Great Depression.
Lasting Legacy
While her career was relatively short due to her early retirement, Jordan remains a significant figure for film historians studying the transition from silent films to talkies. She is remembered as one of the most charming leading ladies of the early 1930s and for her association with some of the most influential figures in Hollywood history, including Merian C. Cooper and John Ford. Her brief return to the screen in Ford's 'The Searchers' (1956) provided her with a role in what is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Who They Inspired
Her transition from Broadway to Hollywood served as a blueprint for many stage actors during the early sound era. Her ability to maintain a successful career while transitioning from musical comedy to serious drama influenced the casting strategies of major studios like MGM.
Off Screen
In 1933, Dorothy Jordan married Merian C. Cooper, the legendary producer, director, and creator of 'King Kong.' Following their marriage, Jordan chose to step away from her flourishing career to focus on her family and domestic life. The couple remained married until Cooper's death in 1973. They were close friends with director John Ford, who eventually persuaded Jordan to take small roles in a few of his films during the 1950s. She spent her later years in Coronado, California.
Education
Southwestern University; American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Family
- Merian C. Cooper (1933-1973; his death)
Did You Know?
- She was a talented dancer and appeared in several Broadway musicals before moving to Hollywood.
- She was one of the few actresses to work with both Mary Pickford and Clark Gable.
- Her husband, Merian C. Cooper, reportedly discouraged her from continuing her acting career after their marriage.
- She played the mother of the kidnapped girls in the Western masterpiece 'The Searchers' (1956).
- Jordan was a close friend of John Wayne and his family.
- She was known for her striking blue eyes and petite stature.
- She died of heart failure at the age of 82 in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
In Their Own Words
I never really missed the limelight. My life with Merian and the children was far more rewarding than any script I was ever handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorothy Jordan?
Dorothy Jordan was a popular American film actress during the early 1930s, known for her roles in MGM films and her marriage to 'King Kong' producer Merian C. Cooper.
What films is Dorothy Jordan best known for?
She is best remembered for 'Min and Bill' (1930), 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1929), and her later appearance in John Ford's 'The Searchers' (1956).
When was Dorothy Jordan born and when did she die?
She was born on August 9, 1906, in Clarksville, Tennessee, and passed away on December 7, 1988, in Los Angeles, California.
What awards did Dorothy Jordan win?
While she did not win major competitive acting awards, she was honored as a WAMPAS Baby Star in 1931, a prestigious recognition for rising talent.
Why did Dorothy Jordan stop acting?
She largely retired from the screen in 1933 following her marriage to producer Merian C. Cooper to focus on raising their three children.
Learn More
Films
1 film
