Dorothy Lamour: Early Life and Career
Dorothy Lamour was born on December 10, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Carmen Louise and John Watson Slaton, both of whom were waiters. Lamour was of mixed ancestry, with her mother being of French and Spanish descent, and her father being of English and Irish ancestry. She attended school in New Orleans and later moved to Chicago to pursue a career in show business.
Lamour began her career as a singer in the 1930s and soon landed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She appeared in several films, including “The Hurricane” and “The Jungle Princess,” which made her a star. She was known for her sultry voice, good looks, and exotic costumes, which often included sarongs. She was dubbed the “Sarong Queen” and became a sex symbol of the 1940s.
Dorothy Lamour: Personal Life and Affairs
Lamour was married twice. Her first marriage was to Herbie Kay, a bandleader, in 1935. They had two children together but divorced in 1939. Lamour’s second marriage was to William Ross Howard III, a United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, in 1943. They had two sons together and remained married until Howard’s death in 1978.
Lamour was also rumored to have had affairs with several Hollywood stars, including Clark Gable, John Wayne, and Tyrone Power. However, she never confirmed these rumors and remained discreet about her personal life.
Dorothy Lamour: Ethnicity and Black Ancestry
Lamour’s ethnicity has been the subject of much speculation over the years. While she was of mixed ancestry, with her mother being of French and Spanish descent, some people have claimed that she also had black ancestry. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and Lamour herself never spoke about it.
Despite this, Lamour was a vocal advocate for civil rights and worked with several organizations to promote racial equality. She was also one of the first Hollywood stars to perform for troops during World War II, and she continued to perform for soldiers throughout her career.
Dorothy Lamour: Filmography
Lamour appeared in over 60 films throughout her career. Some of her most famous movies include:
The Jungle Princess (1936)
Lamour starred as a lost princess in this adventure film. The movie was a hit and helped establish Lamour as a star.
The Hurricane (1937)
Lamour starred opposite Jon Hall in this drama about a group of people caught in a hurricane in the South Pacific. The movie was a critical and commercial success and earned Lamour an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
My Favorite Brunette (1947)
Lamour starred alongside Bob Hope in this comedy about a photographer who gets mistaken for a detective. The movie was a box office success and helped cement Lamour’s reputation as a versatile actress.
Donovan’s Reef (1963)
Lamour appeared in this John Wayne film about a group of ex-Navy officers who reunite on a Pacific island. The movie was a hit and marked Lamour’s final film role.
The Road to… Series (1940-1952)
Lamour appeared in several films in the “Road to…” series alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. These movies were popular with audiences and helped establish Lamour as a comedic actress.
Overall, Dorothy Lamour was a talented actress, singer, and advocate for civil rights. Her legacy continues to live on through her films and her contributions to Hollywood and society as a whole.
FAQ
Who is Dorothy Lamour?
Dorothy Lamour was an American actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She is best known for her roles in the “Road to” movies alongside Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
What was Dorothy Lamour’s ethnicity?
Dorothy Lamour was of mixed ethnicity, with her father being of French and Irish descent, and her mother being of Filipino and Spanish descent.
Did Dorothy Lamour have any affairs?
There were rumors of Dorothy Lamour having affairs with several of her co-stars, including Bing Crosby and John Wayne. However, she was married twice, first to Herbie Kay and then to William Ross Howard III.
What movies was Dorothy Lamour in?
Dorothy Lamour appeared in over 60 films throughout her career, including “The Jungle Princess,” “The Hurricane,” and the “Road to” movies with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
