Denise DuBarry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Denise DuBarry Hay
DuBarry in 1989
Born	(1956-03-06)March 6, 1956 Killeen, Texas, U.S.
Died	March 23, 2019(2019-03-23) (aged 63) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, film producer, businesswoman, philanthropist
Spouse(s)	Connolly Kamornick Oyler ​ ​ (m. 1975; div. 1976)​ Gary Lockwood ​ ​ (m. 1982; div. 1988)​ William Hay ​ ​ (m. 1992)​
Children	4

Denise DuBarry Hay (born March 6, 1956 – died March 23, 2019) was an American actress, businesswoman, and film producer. She was also known for her charity work.

She helped start a company called Thane International Inc. in 1990 with her husband, Bill Hay. This company worked in the "direct response" industry, which means they sold products directly to customers, often through TV commercials. Denise was the Chief Creative Officer for 15 years.

As an actress, she was famous for playing Nurse Lieutenant Samantha Green in the TV show Black Sheep Squadron. She also played Johanna Franklin in the movie Being There.

Denise was a leader in the infomercial industry. Infomercials are long TV commercials that show and sell products. She co-produced "Play the Piano Overnight" in 1988. This infomercial won a Billboard Music Award for Best Music Instruction Video. Her next project, "Play the Guitar Overnight," won the same award in 1991.

Early Life and Growing Up

Denise DuBarry was born in Killeen, Texas, at a place called Fort Hood Army Base. Her parents were Adrian Pierre DuBarry and Betty Louise. Her family moved to Louisiana so her father could finish his master's degree at LSU.

Later, her family lived in different countries like Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Denise grew up there from age 2 to 10. She learned to speak Spanish very well. The family then moved around California. They finally settled in Granada Hills, California. Denise went to middle school and high school there. She was the oldest of five children. At 14, she helped take care of her younger brothers and sisters while her mother worked.

Yoga and Wellness

Denise DuBarry started practicing yoga in 1979. Yoga is a way to exercise and relax your mind and body. In 1986, she opened her own yoga studio called Malibu Yoga. Many famous people went to her studio. She gave the studio to a friend in 1990 when she moved. She was also a partner in a Bikram Yoga studio in Palm Desert, California.

Denise's Career Journey

Denise had a very interesting career, working in many different areas.

Starting in Entertainment (1974–1979)

When Denise was 18, she worked for her father's paper export business. At night, she took acting classes. She started getting roles in TV commercials for brands like Michelob beer and Chevrolet cars. She also worked as an extra in kids' shows like Magic Mongo and Wonder Woman. She even appeared on The Gong Show as a beauty contestant.

Denise also entered several real beauty contests. She won "Most Photogenic" in Ms. Malibu. She got a co-starring role in a CBS TV movie called Deadman's Curve. She then landed a regular role in the TV series Black Sheep Squadron. She also had small parts in popular TV shows like Charlie's Angels and Trapper John, M.D.. In 1979, director Hal Ashby cast her in a main role in the movie Being There.

Moving into Production (1980–1989)

Denise had acted with Gary Lockwood in a 1980 TV movie. In 1982, she and Gary Lockwood started their own production company called Xebec Productions. Denise began writing and raising money to make films. She also continued to act. In 1985, she appeared in the movie Monster in the Closet.

Building Businesses (1990–2005)

Denise met her future husband, Bill Hay, through a friend. Together, they started a company and produced many infomercials. These included "Beat the Recession" and many others.

Later Ventures (2005–2019)

In 2005, Denise DuBarry Hay started another direct response marketing company called Kaswit, Inc. Two of Kaswit's most successful projects were infomercials for "Pilates Power Gym" and "Secrets to Training the Perfect Dog."

In 2006, she founded Blue Moxie Entertainment, her own production company. Through this company, she produced a movie called Shoot the Hero. This film was first shown at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2010.

Filmography

Death

Denise DuBarry Hay passed away on March 23, 2019, at the age of 63. She died at UCLA Medical Center. Her husband, Bill Hay, said she died after getting a rare fungal illness. Denise was survived by her husband, Bill, and her four children: Samantha Lockwood, Adam Hay, Kyle Hay, and Whitney Hay. She was also survived by her parents, Pete and Betty DuBarry.