Learn More About: Dina Merrill

Who is Dina Merrill?

Dina Merrill (born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton; December 29, 1923 May 22, 2017) was an American actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was a member of the prominent Hutton family and appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career.

Merrill was born in New York City to Marjorie Merriweather Post and Edward Francis Hutton. She made her film debut in 1946's "The Late George Apley" and went on to star in such films as "The Glass Bottom Boat" (1966), "Butterflies Are Free" (1972), and "The Player" (1992). She also appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" (1960), "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1962), and "Dynasty" (1981-1989).

In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. She was the owner of several racehorses and founded the Dina Merrill Fund for the Arts, which supports emerging artists. She was also a trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Modern Art.

Merrill was married three times, first to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr. from 1946 to 1966, then to Cliff Robertson from 1966 to 1986, and finally to Ted Hartley from 1989 until her death in 2017.

Key Aspects of Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill's Acting Career

Dina Merrill had a long and successful acting career, appearing in over 50 films and television shows. She was known for her versatility, playing a wide range of roles from ingenues to femme fatales to character actors. Some of her most notable roles include:

  • The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)
  • Butterflies Are Free (1972)
  • The Player (1992)
  • The Twilight Zone (1960)
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1962)
  • Dynasty (1981-1989)

Dina Merrill's Personal Life

Dina Merrill was married three times, first to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr. from 1946 to 1966, then to Cliff Robertson from 1966 to 1986, and finally to Ted Hartley from 1989 until her death in 2017. She had three children, two with Rumbough and one with Robertson.

Dina Merrill's Philanthropy

Dina Merrill was a generous philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes, including the arts, education, and medical research. She was the founder of the Dina Merrill Fund for the Arts, which supports emerging artists. She was also a trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Modern Art.

Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill was an American actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was a member of the prominent Hutton family and appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career.

  • Actress: Merrill had a long and successful acting career, appearing in over 50 films and television shows.
  • Socialite: Merrill was a member of the prominent Hutton family and was known for her glamorous lifestyle.
  • Philanthropist: Merrill was a generous philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes, including the arts, education, and medical research.
  • Businesswoman: Merrill was a successful businesswoman and owned several racehorses.
  • Fashion icon: Merrill was known for her stylish wardrobe and was often featured in fashion magazines.
  • Wife: Merrill was married three times, first to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., then to Cliff Robertson, and finally to Ted Hartley.
  • Mother: Merrill had three children, two with Rumbough and one with Robertson.

These key aspects of Dina Merrill's life and career highlight her versatility and her impact on the world of entertainment, philanthropy, and fashion.

Name Born Died
Dina Merrill December 29, 1923 May 22, 2017

Actress

Dina Merrill's acting career spanned over four decades, from her debut in 1946's "The Late George Apley" to her final role in 2009's "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee." She appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, from comedies to dramas to thrillers. Some of her most notable roles include:

  • Leading lady: Merrill often played the leading lady in films, such as "The Glass Bottom Boat" (1966) and "Butterflies Are Free" (1972). She was known for her beauty and charm, and she often played sophisticated and glamorous characters.
  • Character actress: Merrill also played a variety of character roles, both in films and on television. She was known for her versatility and her ability to play a wide range of characters, from quirky to dramatic.
  • Television star: Merrill appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" (1960), "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1962), and "Dynasty" (1981-1989). She was a regular cast member on "Dynasty" for several seasons, and she played the role of Alexis Carrington Colby.

Merrill's acting career was successful by any measure. She appeared in over 50 films and television shows, and she worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She was also a talented actress, and she was able to play a wide range of roles with ease. Merrill's legacy as an actress is secure, and she will continue to be remembered for her many memorable performances.

Socialite

Dina Merrill's status as a socialite was closely tied to her family background and her marriage to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., a wealthy businessman. The Huttons were one of the wealthiest families in the United States, and Merrill's mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, was a prominent socialite and philanthropist. Merrill herself was a regular fixture on the New York City social scene, and she was known for her glamorous lifestyle and her impeccable fashion sense.

Merrill's socialite status gave her access to a world of privilege and opportunity. She was able to meet and socialize with some of the most famous and influential people in the world, and she was often featured in fashion magazines and newspapers. Her socialite status also helped her to launch her acting career. She was able to use her connections to get roles in films and television shows, and she quickly became a successful actress.

Merrill's socialite status was a major part of her life and career. It gave her access to a world of privilege and opportunity, and it helped her to launch her acting career. Merrill was a true socialite, and she enjoyed the glamorous lifestyle that came with it.

Philanthropist

Dina Merrill was a generous philanthropist who supported a variety of causes throughout her life. She was particularly interested in the arts, education, and medical research.

  • Support for the Arts: Merrill was a strong supporter of the arts. She was a founding member of the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and served on the board for many years. She also supported the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition, she founded the Dina Merrill Fund for the Arts, which provides grants to emerging artists.
  • Support for Education: Merrill was also a strong supporter of education. She served on the board of trustees of several schools, including the Dalton School and the Spence School. She also supported scholarships for students who wanted to pursue a career in the arts.
  • Support for Medical Research: Merrill was also a supporter of medical research. She served on the board of directors of the National Cancer Institute and the American Heart Association. She also donated money to several medical research organizations.

Merrill's philanthropic work made a significant impact on the world. She supported a variety of causes that she was passionate about, and she helped to make a difference in the lives of many people.

Businesswoman

In addition to her acting career and philanthropic work, Dina Merrill was also a successful businesswoman. She owned several racehorses and was involved in the horse racing industry for many years.

  • Racehorse owner: Merrill owned several racehorses, including the famous racehorse Kelso. Kelso was one of the most successful racehorses of all time, winning five consecutive Horse of the Year awards. Merrill was also a member of the board of directors of the New York Racing Association.
  • Business ventures: Merrill was also involved in other business ventures. She was a partner in a clothing store and a restaurant. She also owned a real estate company.

Merrill's business acumen was evident in her success in the horse racing industry and her other business ventures. She was a shrewd businesswoman who was able to make wise investments and manage her finances effectively.

Fashion icon

Dina Merrill was known for her impeccable fashion sense and was often featured in fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Her personal style was characterized by its elegance and sophistication, and she was often photographed wearing the latest designs from top fashion designers. Merrill's status as a fashion icon helped to raise her profile and make her a household name.

In addition to her own personal style, Merrill was also a supporter of the fashion industry. She was a regular attendee of fashion shows and events, and she often donated to fashion-related charities. Merrill's support of the fashion industry helped to promote the work of emerging designers and to raise awareness of the importance of fashion.

Merrill's legacy as a fashion icon continues to this day. She is remembered for her timeless style and her support of the fashion industry. Merrill's influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary fashion designers, and she remains an inspiration to fashion lovers around the world.

Wife

Dina Merrill's marriages were an important part of her life and career. Her first marriage, to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., lasted from 1946 to 1966. They had two children together. Merrill's second marriage, to Cliff Robertson, lasted from 1966 to 1986. They had one child together. Merrill's third marriage, to Ted Hartley, lasted from 1989 until her death in 2017.

Merrill's marriages provided her with stability and support, and they also helped her to raise a family. Her husbands were all successful men in their own fields, and they provided Merrill with the financial and emotional resources she needed to pursue her career. Merrill's marriages also helped her to maintain her social status. She was a member of the prominent Hutton family, and her marriages to Rumbough, Robertson, and Hartley all helped to solidify her position in society.

Merrill's marriages were not without their challenges. Her first marriage ended in divorce, and her second marriage was also troubled. However, Merrill was able to overcome these challenges and find happiness in her third marriage. Merrill's marriages are a reminder that even the most successful people can face challenges in their personal lives. However, with perseverance and support, it is possible to overcome these challenges and find happiness.

Mother

Dina Merrill's role as a mother was an important part of her life. She had three children, two with her first husband, Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., and one with her second husband, Cliff Robertson. Merrill was a devoted mother, and she raised her children in a loving and supportive environment.

  • Family life: Merrill's family life was a source of great joy and fulfillment for her. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she was always there for them when they needed her.
  • Work-life balance: Merrill was able to successfully balance her career and her family life. She was a dedicated actress, but she always made time for her children. Merrill was a role model for other working mothers, showing that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life.
  • Legacy: Merrill's legacy as a mother will continue through her children and grandchildren. She raised her children to be kind, compassionate, and successful individuals. Merrill's children and grandchildren are a testament to her love and devotion.

Dina Merrill was a loving and devoted mother. She raised her children in a loving and supportive environment, and she was always there for them when they needed her. Merrill's legacy as a mother will continue through her children and grandchildren.

FAQs about Dina Merrill

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Dina Merrill, providing concise and informative answers to common queries.

Question 1: What was Dina Merrill's most famous role?

Dina Merrill had a long and successful acting career, but she is best known for her role as Alexis Carrington Colby on the popular television series "Dynasty." She played the role for several seasons and became one of the most iconic characters on the show.

Question 2: What was Dina Merrill's relationship to the Hutton family?

Dina Merrill was a member of the prominent Hutton family through her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Marjorie was one of the wealthiest women in the United States and a prominent socialite. Dina Merrill's father was Edward Francis Hutton, a stockbroker and investment banker. Dina Merrill's family background gave her access to a world of privilege and opportunity, and it helped her to launch her acting career.

Dina Merrill was a complex and fascinating woman who achieved success in both her professional and personal life. She was a talented actress, a successful businesswoman, and a devoted philanthropist. She was also a loving wife and mother. Dina Merrill's legacy continues to inspire people today.

Conclusion

Dina Merrill was a complex and fascinating woman who achieved success in both her professional and personal life. She was a talented actress, a successful businesswoman, and a devoted philanthropist. She was also a loving wife and mother.

Merrill's legacy continues to inspire people today. She was a role model for working mothers, showing that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life. She was also a generous philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes that she was passionate about. Merrill's impact on the world was significant, and she will be remembered for her many contributions.

Dina Merrill, Actress, Heiress, Vogue Model Dies at Age 93 Vogue
Image of Dina Merrill
Dina Merrill, Philanthropist and Actress, Dies at 93

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