About Dorothy Dickson
Lived 1893 – 1995 (aged 102). Dorothy Dickson was a British stage actor, film actor, ziegfeld girl, singer, actor and dancer.
Dorothy Dickson (July 25, 1893 – September 25, 1995) was an American-born, London-based theater actress and singer, and a centenarian.
Biography and career Dickson is known mostly for her rendition of the Jerome Kern song "Look for the Silver Lining". She was also a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and made many appearances in New York and abroad. In 1922, she starred in The Cabaret Girl. In 1936, she co-starred with Ivor Novello in his Careless Rapture and, in 1937, in his Crest of the Wave.
Dickson starred in a few silent films, including Eastward Ho! (1919) and Paying the Piper (1921).
During her early days on the London stage, Dickson was introduced to (as well as centenarian) Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later the Queen Mother. The two became close friends and their friendship lasted until Dickson's death at age 102. Her daughter was the actress Dorothy Hyson, who was married to Sir Anthony Quayle.
During the Second World War she was involved in organising the London version of Stage Door Canteen.
In 2006, Angus McBean's photograph of Dorothy Dickson was used on the poster for an exhibition of his photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, London, as well as on the cover of the accompanying book.
Stage The Private Road by John Carlton (1934), Comedy Theatre Stop Press (1935), Adelphi Theatre Careless Rapture by Ivor Novello (1938), Theatre Royal Dury Lane Crest of the Wave by Ivor Novello (1937), Theatre Royal Dury Lane Fine and Dandy (1942), Saville Theatre Our Betters by William Somereset Maugham, (1946) As Long As They’re Happy with Jack Buchanan (1953), Garrick Theatre
Filmography Eastward Ho! (1919) The Silver Lining (1921) Paying the Piper (1921) Headin' North (1921) The Road Is Fine (1930) Channel Crossing (1933) Danny Boy (1934) Sword of Honour (1939)
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Important facts
People in Dorothy Dickson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Dorothy Dickson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dorothy Dickson?
American actress (1893-1995)
When was Dorothy Dickson born?
Dorothy Dickson was born on 25 July 1893 in Kansas City.
When did Dorothy Dickson die?
Dorothy Dickson died on 25 September 1995 in London.
What was Dorothy Dickson's occupation?
Dorothy Dickson was a stage actor, film actor, ziegfeld girl, singer, actor and dancer.
What nationality was Dorothy Dickson?
Dorothy Dickson was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dorothy Dickson. https://biography.guide/dorothy-dickson/
MLA: "Dorothy Dickson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dorothy-dickson/.
Chicago: "Dorothy Dickson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dorothy-dickson/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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