Dorothy Dell (born Dorothy Goff; January 30, 1915 – June 8, 1934) was an American film actress. She died in an auto accident at the age of 19.
Early life and career
Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to entertainers, Dorothy moved with her family to New Orleans, Louisiana, at age 13. She was born into a socially prominent family, and her mother was a descendant of Jefferson Davis. Initially desiring to become a singer, she was discovered by composer Wesley Lord, and soon signed a radio contract. With this success, she established a successful vaudeville act. Although she had received better offers, she decided to enter the vaudeville circuit, because she believed it would enable her to help her friend Dorothy Lamour rise to fame, a promise she had made shortly before winning the Miss Universe title at the Pageant.
After working on the vaudeville circuit for 32 weeks, she moved to New York City in 1931. One night, she sang at a benefit and was discovered by Florenz Ziegfeld,
She moved to Hollywood in December 1933 and was signed to a contract by Paramount Pictures. Initially being contracted for bit parts, she won her first film role over such established contenders as Mae Clarke and Isabel Jewell and made her debut in Wharf Angel (1934). The film was a success and the reviews for Dell were favorable; Paramount began to consider her as a potential star. Her most important and substantial role followed in the Shirley Temple film Little Miss Marker.
Death
On Friday, June 8, 1934, Dell agreed to a car ride to Pasadena with 38-year-old Dr. Carl Wagner, because he insisted that she take some time for relaxation between retakes of Shoot the Works, and to meet his mother, whom he wanted to show "how sweet a little movie star can be." A week before her death, Carson left for work in London and proposed over the telephone. Dell planned on taking off six months for an extended honeymoon vacation. When Carson found out about her death, he decided not to return to Broadway, and he remained in London. She was interred in Metairie Cemetery, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
During her life, Dell had claimed several encounters with near-death experiences. As a child, she narrowly escaped death when being attacked by a dog. The dog was killed by her father to save Dell's life.
Dorothy Lamour won the title of "Miss New Orleans" in 1931, succeeding her friend Dell who had won the title the previous year.
Filmography
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|1932|| Passing the Buck || || Short
|-
|1934|| Wharf Angel || Toy ||
|-
|1934|| Little Miss Marker || Bangles Carson ||
|-
|1934|| Shoot the Works || Lily Raquel || (final film role)
|}