Dorothy Malone & Mimi Bergerac: Family Life & Hollywood Appearances
Did the silver screen's golden age truly embrace the multifaceted life of its stars, or were the personal narratives often overshadowed by the dazzling lights of Hollywood? Dorothy Malone, an Oscar-winning actress, navigated both the triumphs of her career and the complexities of motherhood with a grace that continues to resonate.
The allure of fame, the pressures of Hollywood, and the enduring bond of family are themes that intertwine in the life of Dorothy Malone, whose career spanned decades and whose personal life was often as captivating as her on-screen performances. Malone's journey, which included a marriage to the charming Frenchman Jacques Bergerac and the raising of two daughters, Mimi and Diane, presents a compelling case study of a woman balancing the demands of a high-profile career with the equally demanding role of a mother. From the glittering events of the National Film Society's eighth annual Artistry in Cinema Awards on September 25, 1983, at the Sheraton Centre's Imperial, where she was accompanied by her daughters, to the more intimate moments of family life, Malone's story offers a glimpse into the private world of a public figure.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dorothy Malone |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Date of Death | January 19, 2018 |
| Place of Death | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Notable Awards | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1956) |
| Spouse(s) | Jacques Bergerac (m. 19591964), Robert Tomarkin (m. 19711971), Charles L. Savage (m. 19691970) |
| Children | Mimi Bergerac, Diane Bergerac |
| Known For | Peyton Place (TV Series), Written on the Wind |
| Film Debut | The Falcon and the Co-Eds (1943) |
| Last Film Appearance | The Pigeon (1998) |
| Personal Life Highlights | Married Jacques Bergerac in Hong Kong in 1959. |
| Family | Daughters Mimi and Diane. Her daughter Mimi Venderstraaten confirmed the death in assisted living facility. |
| Key Career Moments | Won an Oscar in 1956. Focused more on family life after 1960. Attended awards shows with her daughters, including the National Film Societys Artistry in Cinema Awards in 1983. |
| Associated Places | Beverly Hills, California; New York City; Dallas, Texas. |
| Reference | IMDb - Dorothy Malone |
Born in Chicago and raised in Dallas, Texas, Dorothy Malone's journey to Hollywood was a testament to her ambition and talent. Her early roles, though often uncredited, paved the way for her breakthrough performance in "Written on the Wind" (1956), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This victory catapulted her to stardom, yet her life was not solely defined by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Her marriage to Jacques Bergerac, a French actor, and the subsequent birth of their daughters, Mimi and Diane, introduced a new dimension to her life, one that would shape her decisions and priorities in the years to come.
The couple's relationship was not without its trials. In December 1962, columnist Hedda Hopper quoted Malone as saying that although they weren't separated, her husband had been in Europe for nine months, while Malone was shopping for a new home. This indicated the challenges that faced her personal life amidst the demands of her career. Despite this, Malone prioritized her daughters, choosing to create a stable environment for them. She wanted to get us out of the crazy [Southern California scene] and grow up where she grew up, says. This decision reflects a profound understanding of the importance of family and roots, especially in the ever-changing world of show business.
The presence of her daughters, Mimi and Diane, at various events throughout her career, such as the National Film Society's eighth annual Artistry in Cinema Awards in 1983 in both New York and Beverly Hills, and the American Cinema Awards in 1989, underscores the central role they played in her life. Mimi Bergerac, born in April 1960, and Diane Bergerac, born in February 1962, were constant companions and a source of unwavering support. These appearances weren't just about attending events; they were a statement of her priorities, a public acknowledgment of the value she placed on her children.
Mimi Vanderstraaten, as she later became known, was born in April 1960, and is still alive today. The familys move to Dallas, Texas, where Malone had grown up, provided a sense of normalcy and continuity, allowing the girls to experience a childhood away from the pressures of Hollywood. Malone's daughter, Mimi Vanderstraaten, confirmed her mother's passing, at an assisted living facility where Malone had lived for the last 10 years, which highlighted the strong familial bond that endured throughout her life.
Mimi's memories of her mother offer further insight into Malone's character. Malone, observed her daughter, Mimi Vanderstraaten, 49, was ahead of her time. Malone's decisions, such as her eventual choice to focus more on family life, often defied the norms of Hollywood. While Oscar winners did not ordinarily choose series television as a career move, she just knew the series was, reflecting Malone's intuitive approach to her career and her understanding of the importance of long-term security, a choice that provided her with a steady income and a more balanced lifestyle.
The legal battles surrounding Malone's divorce from Jacques Bergerac offer a glimpse into the struggles she faced. Bergerac wanted her cited for contempt of court because, he said, she makes faces at him when he visits their two daughters. He testified in Los Angeles court that she was trying to alienate the girls, Mimi, 3, and Diane, 18 months, from him. These proceedings highlight the emotional turmoil that sometimes accompanies the dissolution of a marriage, especially when children are involved. Despite these challenges, Malone remained devoted to her daughters, her actions and decisions always reflecting her priority of being a good mother. Her attorney was Arthur Crowley.
Dorothy Malone's story is not merely the biography of an actress; it's the narrative of a woman who navigated the complexities of fame, love, and family with remarkable resilience and grace. Her journey, from the triumphs of her career to the challenges of her personal life, underscores the importance of staying true to one's values. Her legacy, as a devoted mother, a successful actress, and a woman of her time, continues to inspire and resonate.
The frequent attendance of Dorothy Malone and her daughters at various events, such as the National Film Society's annual awards, provides a timeline of her life and career. The sixth annual American Cinema Awards on January 6, 1989, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, saw Malone and Mimi together again. The birthday party for Mavis Nabors on February 6, 1983, also in Beverly Hills, included Malone and Mimi, along with Kent Curtis. These appearances provide a sense of her commitment to maintaining strong familial bonds, even while navigating the professional world.
Christy Putnam presented the legacy award to Dorothy Malone's daughter, Mimi Bergerac Vanderstraaten. These events, along with the availability of photos from Ron Galella and Getty Images, offer a visual record of Malone's life, allowing fans and historians to appreciate her journey. The numerous photos and videos available provide a glimpse into Malone's life, ensuring that her legacy continues to be celebrated.
Her marriage to Jacques Bergerac in Hong Kong in 1959, which led her to the most cherished and fulfilling role she would have in her life, as mother to her two beloved daughters, mimi and, also led her to more family life. This was a significant turning point in her life, as she prioritized the well-being of her children. Malones actions demonstrate a unique blend of glamour and family life, marking her as a role model for many.
Malone's commitment to her family, her professional achievements, and her resilience in the face of personal challenges paint a portrait of a woman who was far more than just a movie star. She was a devoted mother, a successful actress, and a woman of her time, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate. Her choices, her actions, and her dedication to her children offer a testament to her character. Her life story is a source of inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining one's values.
The inclusion of images from events such as the New York Film Society Awards, held at the Sheraton Center in New York City, further illustrates Malone's presence in the public eye. The photos and descriptions available provide insight into her fashion choices, her relationships with her daughters, and her enduring commitment to her career.
