Dorothy Lamour
Actor
About Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Lamour, born Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton, was an American actress and singer who became one of Paramount Pictures' biggest stars during Hollywood's Golden Age. She began her career as a beauty queen, winning Miss New Orleans in 1931, before working as an elevator operator and big band singer. Her breakthrough came in 1936 when she was discovered by Paramount and cast in 'The Jungle Princess,' where her sarong-clad appearance created an iconic image that would define her career. She achieved massive popularity starring alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the legendary 'Road to...' film series, beginning with 'Road to Singapore' in 1940, which established one of cinema's most beloved comedy trios. Throughout the 1940s, she appeared in over 60 films, showcasing her versatility in musical comedies, dramatic roles, and adventure films. Her career extended into television and stage performances in her later years, and she remained a beloved Hollywood figure until her death in 1996, leaving behind a legacy as one of classic cinema's most glamorous and enduring stars.
The Craft
On Screen
Dorothy Lamour was known for her versatile acting style that seamlessly blended glamour with natural comedic timing. She excelled at portraying exotic beauties while maintaining an approachable, girl-next-door quality that audiences found endearing. Her performances often showcased her singing abilities and natural chemistry with co-stars, particularly in the 'Road to...' comedy films where she played the straight woman to Crosby and Hope's antics. She demonstrated remarkable range, transitioning effectively from dramatic roles in adventure films to light-hearted musical comedies, always maintaining a distinctive screen presence that combined sophistication with warmth.
Milestones
- Starred in 'The Jungle Princess' (1936) establishing her trademark sarong image
- Began the legendary 'Road to...' film series with 'Road to Singapore' (1940)
- Became one of Paramount's top-grossing stars throughout the 1940s
- Appeared in over 60 films during her career
- Successfully transitioned to television and stage work in later years
- Published her autobiography 'My Side of the Road' in 1980
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1952)
Nominated
- Golden Globe for Best Actress (1952)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
- Louisiana Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee
- New Orleans Walk of Fame star
- Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dorothy Lamour significantly shaped Hollywood's representation of exotic beauty and adventure films during the Golden Age. Her signature sarong look became an iconic symbol of 1930s-40s cinema, influencing fashion trends and popular culture worldwide. She helped establish the 'Road to...' film series as a beloved comedy franchise that set the template for buddy comedies for generations to come. Her success as a leading lady in both musical comedies and dramatic adventure films demonstrated the commercial viability of female-driven entertainment during Hollywood's studio era. During World War II, her films provided escapist entertainment for audiences and troops, while her USO performances boosted morale. She represented a unique blend of exotic allure and American accessibility that perfectly captured the cultural zeitgeist of her era.
Lasting Legacy
Dorothy Lamour's legacy endures through her memorable performances in classic Hollywood comedies and her iconic sarong-clad image that remains instantly recognizable decades later. She stands as one of the most beloved actresses of the Golden Age, particularly for her work in the 'Road to...' series, which continue to be celebrated as classics of American comedy. Her ability to balance glamour with comedic timing made her a versatile performer who could excel in both dramatic and comedic roles, paving the way for future actresses to demonstrate similar range. The chemistry she developed with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope created a template for comedy trios that would influence countless films and television shows. Her autobiography and numerous interviews have preserved insights into Hollywood's Golden Age, making her an important historical figure for film scholars and classic cinema enthusiasts.
Who They Inspired
Dorothy Lamour influenced subsequent generations of performers through her demonstration of how to maintain a strong screen presence while working alongside dominant male co-stars. Her success in musical comedies paved the way for future actresses who could both sing and act effectively, showing that versatility was key to longevity in Hollywood. The 'Road to...' films established a blueprint for comedy trios that would be emulated in later works, from Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to modern ensemble comedies. Her ability to transition from typecast exotic roles to more grounded dramatic performances showed that actresses could break free from industry stereotypes. Her enduring popularity proved that classic Hollywood stars could maintain relevance across decades, influencing how later performers approached career longevity and public image management.
Off Screen
Dorothy Lamour married twice during her lifetime, first to bandleader Herbie Kay in 1935, which ended in divorce in 1939. She later married William Ross Howard III in 1943, a marriage that lasted until his death in 1978. Despite her Hollywood fame, she maintained a relatively stable family life and was known for her down-to-earth personality. During World War II, she actively supported the war effort by participating in USO tours and serving as a Red Cross volunteer. In her later years, she remained active in charitable work and was a vocal supporter of Republican political candidates, including Ronald Reagan.
Education
Graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in New Orleans
Family
- Herbie Kay (1935-1939)
- William Ross Howard III (1943-1978, his death)
Did You Know?
- Her trademark sarong was initially chosen because it was cheaper than other costume options for 'The Jungle Princess'
- She was crowned Miss New Orleans in 1931, launching her entertainment career
- She worked as an elevator operator at Walgreen's before becoming a singer
- Her first professional job was as a big band singer with Herbie Kay's orchestra
- She was one of the few actresses to successfully transition from B-pictures to A-list stardom
- She published her autobiography 'My Side of the Road' in 1980, detailing her Hollywood experiences
- She served as a dedicated Red Cross volunteer during World War II
- Her original sarong from 'The Jungle Princess' was displayed in the Museum of Modern Art
- She continued performing in dinner theater and stage shows well into her 70s
- She was a staunch Republican and actively supported political candidates including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan
- She appeared on the cover of Life magazine three times during the height of her fame
- The 'Road to...' films were so popular that they inspired a radio series and comic books
In Their Own Words
I wasn't a sex symbol, I was a sex symbol with a sarong
I've been in pictures with the greatest stars, and I've been lucky enough to work with the greatest comedians
The 'Road to' pictures were the most fun I ever had in my life
I never thought I'd be famous. I just wanted to make a living
Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were like brothers to me, we had such wonderful chemistry
Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul
I always tried to be a lady, even when the scripts called for me to be otherwise
The sarong became my trademark, but I was proud that I could do more than just wear a sarong
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorothy Lamour?
Dorothy Lamour was an American actress and singer who became famous during Hollywood's Golden Age. She was best known for her roles in the 'Road to...' comedy films alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, and for her iconic sarong-clad image in adventure films of the 1930s and 1940s.
What films is Dorothy Lamour best known for?
Dorothy Lamour is best known for the 'Road to...' film series including 'Road to Singapore' (1940), 'Road to Zanzibar' (1941), and 'Road to Morocco' (1942). She's also famous for 'The Jungle Princess' (1936), 'The Hurricane' (1937), and 'My Favorite Brunette' (1947).
When was Dorothy Lamour born and when did she die?
Dorothy Lamour was born on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and died on September 22, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 81.
What awards did Dorothy Lamour win?
Dorothy Lamour received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her role in 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1952). She was honored with stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the New Orleans Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Louisiana Entertainment Hall of Fame.
What was Dorothy Lamour's acting style?
Dorothy Lamour was known for her versatile acting style that combined glamour with comedic timing. She excelled at playing exotic beauties while maintaining an approachable, girl-next-door quality. Her performances often showcased her singing abilities and natural chemistry with co-stars, particularly in the 'Road to...' comedy films.
Why was Dorothy Lamour famous for wearing a sarong?
Dorothy Lamour became famous for wearing sarongs after appearing in 'The Jungle Princess' (1936), where the costume was chosen for budget reasons. The look was so popular that it became her trademark, appearing in many subsequent films and becoming an iconic image of 1930s-40s Hollywood glamour.
How did Dorothy Lamour get her start in entertainment?
Dorothy Lamour began her career as a beauty queen, winning the title of Miss New Orleans in 1931. She worked as an elevator operator and later became a big band singer before being discovered by Paramount Pictures, which launched her film career in 1936.
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Films
3 films
