Dorothy Provine, American actress, singer, and dancer (d. 2010)

Dorothy Michelle Provine (January 20, 1935 – April 25, 2010) was an exceptionally versatile American talent, renowned as a singer, dancer, and actress whose captivating presence graced both the small and silver screens, particularly throughout the vibrant decade of the 1960s.

Born on January 20, 1935, in the historic mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota, Provine’s journey to stardom began after her family relocated, and she spent her formative years growing up in Seattle, Washington. Demonstrating an early passion and aptitude for performance, she honed her skills as a compelling nightclub singer. It was this very talent that led to her significant breakthrough: in 1958, her vibrant stage presence and vocal abilities caught the discerning attention of Warner Bros. executives. This pivotal discovery resulted in her signing a coveted contract with the prestigious studio, marking the true commencement of her professional acting career.

Her initial foray into the entertainment industry saw her quickly making an impact. Provine’s first starring role was in the 1958 film The Bonnie Parker Story, a biographical crime drama where she depicted the infamous outlaw with a notable intensity. This early success was swiftly followed by a multitude of roles across various television series, establishing her as a recognizable and engaging face on the small screen. The 1960s proved to be the zenith of Provine's television career, as she captivated audiences in prominent series. She starred as Rocky in The Alaskans (1959-1960), an adventure series set during the thrilling Klondike Gold Rush, and most notably as Pinky Pinkham in The Roaring 20's (1960-1962). In The Roaring 20's, a popular crime-drama set in Prohibition-era New York, Provine frequently showcased her impressive vocal talents, performing lively musical numbers as a speakeasy singer, which significantly contributed to her popularity and cemented her image as a charismatic and multi-talented performer.

Beyond her television success, Dorothy Provine also graced the silver screen in several memorable films. Her major movie roles during the 1960s spanned various genres, highlighting her range as an actress. She was part of the expansive, star-studded ensemble cast in Stanley Kramer’s epic comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), portraying Emeline Marcus-Finch in a film celebrated for its chaotic humor and legendary lineup of comedic talent. Other notable cinematic appearances included the charming romantic comedy Good Neighbor Sam (1964) opposite Jack Lemmon, the beloved Walt Disney mystery-comedy That Darn Cat! (1965), where she played Ingrid Randall, and the international spy spoof Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die (1966). She continued her comedic streak in Who's Minding the Mint? (1967) and delighted family audiences once more in another whimsical Disney production, Never a Dull Moment (1968), co-starring with the iconic Dick Van Dyke.

In 1968, at what was arguably the height of her active career, Dorothy Provine married the distinguished British film and television director Robert Day. Day was widely known for directing episodes of iconic TV series and acclaimed films such as the 1981 adventure film Tarzan the Ape Man. Following her marriage, Provine largely transitioned away from the demanding schedule of a full-time acting career, choosing to prioritize her personal life and family. While she did make a few sporadic appearances in subsequent years, her active full-time presence in Hollywood effectively concluded. Dorothy Michelle Provine passed away on April 25, 2010, in Bremerton, Washington, at the age of 75, due to complications from emphysema. Her enduring legacy lives on through her memorable performances, particularly as a captivating star of 1960s television and cinema, who charmed audiences with her unique blend of acting, singing, and dancing talent, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dorothy Provine

Who was Dorothy Provine?
Dorothy Provine was a talented American singer, dancer, and actress, widely recognized for her prominent roles in 1960s television series like The Alaskans and The Roaring 20's, as well as her appearances in classic films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and Disney's That Darn Cat!.
What were Dorothy Provine's most famous television shows?
Her most famous television roles were as Rocky in The Alaskans (1959-1960) and as the charismatic speakeasy singer Pinky Pinkham in The Roaring 20's (1960-1962), where she frequently showcased her musical abilities, contributing significantly to her popularity.
What notable movies did Dorothy Provine star in?
Dorothy Provine had significant roles in a variety of films, including the ensemble comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), the romantic comedy Good Neighbor Sam (1964), the Disney mystery That Darn Cat! (1965), the spy spoof Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die (1966), the comedy Who's Minding the Mint? (1967), and another Disney feature, Never a Dull Moment (1968).
When did Dorothy Provine retire from acting?
Dorothy Provine largely retired from her full-time acting career in 1968, following her marriage to acclaimed film and television director Robert Day, though she made a few sporadic appearances in the years that followed.
How did Dorothy Provine die?
Dorothy Provine passed away on April 25, 2010, in Bremerton, Washington, at the age of 75, due to complications from emphysema.