Doris Singleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Doris Singleton
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| Born |
Dorthea Singleton
September 28, 1919 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | June 26, 2012 (aged 92) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) |
| Occupation | Actress, vocalist |
| Years active | late 1930s–1986 |
| Spouse(s) | Charles Isaacs (m.1941–2002; his death) |
Dorthea "Doris" Singleton (September 28, 1919 – June 26, 2012) was an American actress. She is best known for playing Carolyn Appleby on the popular TV show I Love Lucy. Carolyn was often a friendly rival to the main character, Lucy Ricardo.
Contents
Doris Singleton: A Star on Screen and Radio
Early Life and First Steps in Show Business
Doris Singleton was born in New York City. She first trained to be a ballerina. In the mid-1930s, she danced with a group called "Ballet Theatre." This group later became the famous American Ballet Theatre.
In the late 1930s, Doris started her career as a singer. She sang with Art Jarrett's orchestra. Her deep, clear voice made her very popular in radio shows.
Becoming a Radio and TV Star
During World War II, Doris worked a lot in New York. She was a guest star and had regular roles on many hit radio shows. These included The Whistler and The Alan Young Show. On The Alan Young Show, she played Young's girlfriend, Betty Dittenfeffer. She also played Ruth Henshaw on the radio version of December Bride.
In 1948, Doris met Lucille Ball on the radio show My Favorite Husband. This meeting started a long working friendship between them.
Working with Lucille Ball
Doris Singleton had a repeating role on I Love Lucy. She played Carolyn Appleby in ten episodes from 1953 to 1957. Her character was first called "Lillian Appleby" but then changed to "Carolyn Appleby."
In 1953, Doris also made her first TV appearance. She played Gloria Harper in an episode of The Adventures of Superman. Her last appearance on I Love Lucy was even in an episode with Superman himself, George Reeves. This episode was called "Lucy and Superman".
Doris worked with Lucille Ball again on The Lucy Show in 1966. She played Ruth Cosgrove in an episode where she helped Lucy with a TV stunt. Doris was almost a regular on Lucille Ball's third show, Here's Lucy. She would have played a smart secretary. But Lucille Ball decided to cast her own children instead. Still, Doris appeared in the very first episode, "Mod, Mod Lucy."
In 1970, Doris was on an episode of Make Room For Granddaddy. Lucille Ball was a guest star in that episode. Doris played Grace Munson, another character from I Love Lucy. Her last time on Here's Lucy was in 1974. She played Lucille Ball's studio secretary. Doris and Ball worked together one last time in 1980. This was for a TV special called Lucy Moves to NBC.
Other Famous TV Roles
Doris Singleton appeared in many other TV shows. She played Lois in the TV version of The Great Gildersleeve from 1954 to 1957. She was also in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1955.
From 1960 to 1961, Doris played Susie on the CBS show Angel. Susie was a kind neighbor. She also appeared in All in the Family in 1971. She played Edith's hotel roommate, Lydia Stonehurst. Doris was in two episodes of Perry Mason as well.
She guest-starred on My Three Sons playing two different mothers. She played the mother of Sally Morrison, who married Mike Douglas. Later, she played Margaret, the mother of Polly Williams.
Doris also appeared in shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Twilight Zone, The Munsters, and Dynasty. Her last big acting role was in the movie Deadly Messages (1985). She continued doing voice-overs and ads for many years.
Her Life Off-Screen
Doris Singleton married Charles Isaacs in 1941. They were married for a very long time, until he passed away in 2002.
Later Years and Legacy
Doris Singleton lived in the Greater Los Angeles area. She passed away in Los Angeles in 2012 at 92 years old. She died from complications of cancer. Doris did not have any children. At the time of her death, she was the last main adult cast member still alive from the "Lucy" shows.
Movies She Appeared In
- Terror at Midnight (1956)
- Affair in Reno (1957)
- Amelia Earhart (1976)
- Deadly Messages (1985)
See also
In Spanish: Doris Singleton para niños
