Dorothy Dwan
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April 26, 1906
Dorothy Dwan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Dorothy Belle Ilgenfritz April 26, 1906 |
| Died | March 17, 1981 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1922–1930 |
| Spouses | |
Dorothy Dwan (born Dorothy Belle Ilgenfritz; April 26, 1906 – March 17, 1981) was an American film actress and columnist.[1]
Born Dorothy Belle Ilgenfritz in Sedalia, Missouri, Dwan was the daughter of Charles Melvin Ilgenfritz and Nancy Dorothy Wallace.[2][3][4] Shortly after her mother's divorce and remarriage in approximately 1915, Dorothy was legally adopted by her stepfather George Hughes Smith. Eventually, the family moved to Philadelphia,[2] where Dorothy attended Miss Hill's School, specializing in English and music.[1]
Career
After she appeared as an extra in films, Universal signed Dwan to a contract.[1]
She was a WAMPAS Baby Star.[5] She appeared in 40 films between 1922 and 1930, several of which were directed by her first husband, Larry Semon.[citation needed]
In 1928, Dwan moved from making films to acting on stage, signing with Henry Duffy to act in his Pacific Coast theaters.[6]
After she left acting, Dwan worked as a columnist for Photoplay magazine.[1]
Personal life and death
Dwan married Semon on January 22, 1925. They were still wed when he died in 1928. She had one child, a son, Paul, from her second marriage to Paul Northcutt Boggs Jr. on May 23, 1930. They divorced in 1935.[1] Dwan died in Ventura, California from lung cancer, aged 74.[1]
