Dorothy Bell
| Dorothy Bell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Dorothy Helena Bell August 29, 1914 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died |
November 2, 1991 (aged 77) Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Cause of death | Old Age |
| Occupation | Actress/Radio Personality |
| Spouse(s) |
|
Dorothy Bell is best known as the voice of Linda Talbot on the radio mystery The Midnight Sleuth.
Early Days
Dorothy grew up with a love for movies, having watched her first film (a Charlie Chaplin silent film) at the age of 3. As she grew up, she started acting in local theater groups when she wasn't going to school. When she turned 20 in 1934, Dorothy decided to move to Los Angeles, in hopes of getting into the business.
Hollywood Career
Voice Acting
Dorothy's first job was doing radio jingles for numerous commercials on air for KHJ-900, the most popular radio station in Los Angeles at the time. Her work at the station led to her being "the voice" of Opul Soap where she played the brand's "household wife" that told viewers about how great the products were for keeping her house (and family) clean, despite the fact that she was not married or in a relationship.
She continued the role for the next three years until 1937 when the creators of The Midnight Sleuth needed a voice for their character of Linda, a streetsmart but caring female reporter to balance out their bumbling idiot detective. When Opul Soap got wind that she was trying out for the production, they immediately wanted to be sponsors as they knew listeners would recognize Dorothy's voice and associate the show with their brand.
The idea worked as the show ran for almost 10 years and a total of 120 episodes. Dorothy eventually stopped being the voice of the company but would occasionally chime in from time to time as newer female voice actors took over the role.
Film & TV Appearances
During her successful career as a voice actor, Dorothy expanded her reach to film roles, appearing in many classics such as the war movie Before The Dawn Can Find You (1942) and the comedy series Find Me... which spawned 5 films before it's end in the mid-50s.
Filmography
Theatrical releases
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Stage Fright | Her on-screen role | |
| 1941 | Watch Where You Step | ||
| 1942 | Mrs. Briartown | ||
| 1942 | Toodles | ||
| 1942 | Before The Dawn Can Find You | ||
| 1943 | Streetlight Parade | First role as a leading lady | |
| 1944 | I'll Never Forget You | ||
| 1944 | Find Me In Atlantic City | ||
| 1945 | Find Me In Miami | ||
| 1946 | Dear Diary | ||
| 1947 | Here's Hoping You're There, Kid | ||
| 1948 | Find Me In San Francisco | ||
| 1948 | Sunset | Nominated for Best Actress Oscar | |
| 1950 | Find Me In Cairo | ||
| 1950 | Lookout | ||
| 1952 | Invasion from Space! | ||
| 1954 | Find Me In Las Vegas |
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Death
Having officially retired from acting, Dorothy moved with her new husband, William, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1967, where they settled down and lived near the beach. In 1982, Dorothy was diagnosed with cancer from years of smoking. The doctors only gave her another two years to live, however she managed to live for another 9 years, outliving a few of the doctors who gave her the diagnosis.
In 1991, Dorothy died peacefully in her sleep beside her husband William. He awoke to find her holding him and smiling. She was laid to rest in Forest Lawns Memorial Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her husband William joined her a few years later.
Appearances
Audio/Podcasts
- The Midnight Sleuth (2011-2014)