Dorothy Hale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Hale
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| Born |
Dorothy Donovan
January 11, 1905 |
| Died | October 21, 1938 (aged 33) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) | Gaillard Thomas (19??-19??; divorced) Gardner Hale (1927–1931; his death) |
Dorothy Hale (born January 11, 1905) was an American socialite and aspiring actress. She was known for her beauty and her friendships with many famous artists and writers.
Early Life and Marriages
Dorothy Donovan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she was 14, she left home to try and become an actress. Her family looked for her, but she came back when she ran out of money. Later, with help from friends, she got a job dancing in a Broadway show called Lady, Be Good.
While studying art in Paris, Dorothy married a rich stockbroker named Gaillard Thomas. This marriage was short and ended. In 1927, she married Gardner Hale, an artist who painted murals and portraits. Dorothy enjoyed being part of artistic and wealthy groups. She met famous artists like Frida Kahlo and photographer Nickolas Muray. Sadly, Gardner Hale died in a car accident in 1931.
Acting Career
Dorothy Hale worked as a dancer and actress in plays. In the summer of 1935, she and her friend Rosamond Pinchot acted in a play called Abide with Me. Their friend Clare Boothe Luce wrote the play. Even though the friends had fun, the play was not very popular.
After her husband died, Dorothy faced money problems. She tried to find more acting jobs but had little success. In 1932, she had a small, uncredited role in the movie Cynara. She also had a minor role in Catherine the Great in 1934.
Friendships and Relationships
Dorothy Hale was friends with many interesting people. She was rumored to be in a relationship with Constantin Alajalov, a well-known New York artist.
In 1933, she went on a cruise with artist Isamu Noguchi. She introduced him to many of her rich friends in New York. Some of them asked Noguchi to create art for them. Dorothy traveled to London and Paris with Noguchi.
In 1934, Dorothy, Clare Boothe Luce, and Noguchi went on a road trip. They visited writer Thornton Wilder. They also went to see a play by Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thomson.
By 1937, Dorothy was in a serious relationship with Harry Hopkins. He was a top adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dorothy hoped they would get married. She even moved into a fancy apartment building called Hampshire House. But Hopkins suddenly ended their relationship. This caused Dorothy great embarrassment.
In 1938, a wealthy friend named Bernard Baruch advised Dorothy. He told her that at 33, she was too old for a professional acting career. He suggested she should look for a wealthy husband. He even gave her money to buy a beautiful dress.
Dorothy became very sad about her acting career not taking off. She also worried about her money problems and her unhappy relationships.
Images for kids
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Dorothy Hale in 1938
