Diana Dors was a British actress who captivated audiences with her striking beauty and magnetic personality. Born in 1931, Dors grew up in a working-class family in Swindon and showed an interest in drama from an early age. She quickly made a name for herself in the film industry, starring in a string of successful movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
With her blonde bombshell looks, Dors became a fixture in the press and was known as much for her personal life as her professional career. She was married three times and had numerous high-profile relationships, including with Hollywood heartthrob Errol Flynn. Despite her tumultuous personal life, Dors remained revered by her fans and continued to act right up until her death in 1984.
This comprehensive biography of Diana Dors delves into every aspect of her fascinating life, from her upbringing to her net worth at the time of her death. Discover the truth behind the rumors and learn more about one of Britain's most iconic actresses.
About Diana Dors
Diana Dors was an English actress who captured the hearts of audiences with her beauty, wit, and charm. Born in Swindon, England in 1931, Dors showed an early interest in acting and began her career as a teenager.
In the 1950s, Dors became one of the most popular actresses in Britain, with her glamorous screen presence and captivating performances. She was often compared to Marilyn Monroe and became known as the "British Blonde Bombshell."
Aside from her acting career, Dors was also a talented singer and author. She wrote several books, including a memoir about her life in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Dors' personal life was often in the spotlight, with her marriages and relationships making headlines. Despite the ups and downs, Dors remained a beloved icon and continued to work in film and television until her death in 1984.
Early Life and Childhood
Diana Dors was born as Diana Mary Fluck on October 23, 1931, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. She was the youngest of three children born to Arthur and Mary Fluck. Her father was a railway clerk, and her mother owned a small dressmaking business.
Diana's childhood was marked by the outbreak of World War II, which began when she was only eight years old. She and her siblings were evacuated to the countryside to escape the bombing. While living with a family in Somerset, Diana became interested in acting after seeing a production of Peter Pan at the nearby Hippodrome Theatre.
When the war ended in 1945, Diana returned home and enrolled in acting classes. She also began entering beauty contests and won the titles of "Miss Swindon" and "Miss Britain" in 1947. Her success in these contests led to a screen test with the movie studio Rank Organisation, which signed her to a contract.
- Fun Fact: Diana's stage name "Dors" was derived from her mother's maiden name "Dorsett."
Acting Career and Achievements
Early Successes
Diana Dors began her acting career as a teenager, starring in a number of British films in the 1940s and early 1950s. Her breakthrough role came in 1951, when she was cast in the film "The Last Page" as a femme fatale. She quickly became known for her natural talent and good looks, and was dubbed the "British Marilyn Monroe."
International Success
Dors achieved international success in the late 1950s and early 1960s, appearing in films such as "The Long Haul" (1957), "Yield to the Night" (1956), and "I Married a Woman" (1958). She was also a regular on American television, appearing on shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Jack Benny Show." In 1958, she was awarded the "Golden Globe for Best Newcomer - Female."
Career Resurgence
After a period of decline in the 1960s and 1970s, Dors experienced a resurgence in her career in the 1980s. She received critical acclaim for her role in the BBC television series "The Two Ronnies," and was cast in the film "Steaming" (1985) alongside Vanessa Redgrave. She also made appearances in popular British television shows such as "Absolutely Fabulous" and "Casualty."
Achievements
Diana Dors' contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards and honours. In addition to her Golden Globe win, she was awarded the "Television Personality of the Year" award by the Royal Society of Television in 1982. She was also made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1983, and awarded the "Achievement in Television" award by the Variety Club of Great Britain in 1984.
| The Last Page (1951) | Yield to the Night (1956) |
| The Long Haul (1957) | I Married a Woman (1958) |
| Oliver Twist (1982) | Steaming (1985) |
- Golden Globe for Best Newcomer - Female (1958)
- Television Personality of the Year, Royal Society of Television (1982)
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (1983)
- Achievement in Television, Variety Club of Great Britain (1984)
Personal Life and Relationships
Diana Dors was married three times and had several high-profile relationships throughout her life.
- Her first husband was Dennis Hamilton, a film producer whom she met when she was 17 years old. They married in 1951 and had a son named Mark. However, their marriage was plagued by infidelity and they divorced in 1959.
- In 1960, Dors married actor Richard Dawson, with whom she had two sons, Mark and Gary. They divorced in 1966, but remained friends until her death.
- Her third husband was Alan Lake, an actor and comedian whom she married in 1968. They had a son named Jason, and remained together until Lake's death in 1984.
Dors was also linked romantically to several other famous men, including Rod Steiger and Warren Beatty.
Despite her many relationships and marriages, Dors was known for being fiercely independent and often defying societal norms. She was a modern woman who refused to be defined by her relationships and pursued her own passions and goals.
Net Worth and Legacy
Throughout her career, Diana Dors earned a substantial net worth through her various acting roles, personal appearances, and endorsements. Although her exact worth is unknown, it is estimated to have been in the millions of pounds.
Diana Dors was always in demand and her legacy lives on today. Even after her death in 1984, she remains one of the most iconic figures in British cinema. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she starred in numerous films and made appearances on television shows. She was known for her unique acting style and captivating personality that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Her impact on the entertainment industry has been recognized with various awards and accolades. In 1951, she was named the Most Promising Newcomer at the BAFTA Awards, and in 1997, she was posthumously awarded a BAFTA Special Award in recognition of her contribution to British film and television.
Diana Dors will always be remembered as a true Hollywood icon and a British national treasure. Her life, career, and legacy continue to inspire generations of actors and entertainers around the world.
FAQ
Who is Diana Dors?
Diana Dors was an English film actress and singer, known for her blonde bombshell image and sex appeal. She was also a TV personality and writer, and was often described as Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe.
What is Diana Dors' net worth?
At the time of her death in 1984, Diana Dors' net worth was estimated to be around £10 million. This was mainly due to her successful acting career, which spanned over three decades.
What were the most famous movies that Diana Dors appeared in?
Diana Dors appeared in many films throughout her career, but some of the most famous ones include "The Unholy Wife", "The Long Haul", "Yield to the Night", and "The Queen's Affair". She also had a cameo in the 1971 James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever".
What was Diana Dors' figure like?
Diana Dors was known for her curvaceous figure, which she often flaunted in her film and TV roles. Her measurements were 36-22-36, and she was often compared to Marilyn Monroe in terms of her sex appeal and physical appearance.
How tall was Diana Dors?
Diana Dors was 5 feet 5 inches tall, which was considered fairly average for a woman of her time. Despite not being particularly tall, she was known for her statuesque figure and confident on-screen presence.
