Who was Dina Merrill?
Dina Merrill was an American actress and socialite. She was born in New York City in 1923 and died in East Hampton, New York in 2017.
Merrill began her acting career in the early 1940s and appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career. She is best known for her roles in films such as "The Sundowners" (1960), "Butterfield 8" (1960), and "The Player" (1992).
In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a prominent socialite. She was married to actor Cliff Robertson from 1956 to 1966 and to producer Charles S. Cohen from 1969 to 1989. She was also a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Merrill was a generous philanthropist and supported many charitable organizations. She was also a strong advocate for the arts and served on the boards of several cultural institutions.
Dina Merrill
Dina Merrill was an American actress, socialite, philanthropist, and arts advocate. She appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career and was married to actor Cliff Robertson and producer Charles S. Cohen.
- Actress: Merrill began her acting career in the early 1940s and appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career.
- Socialite: In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a prominent socialite and was married to actor Cliff Robertson and producer Charles S. Cohen.
- Philanthropist: Merrill was a generous philanthropist and supported many charitable organizations.
- Arts advocate: She was also a strong advocate for the arts and served on the boards of several cultural institutions.
- New York City: Merrill was born in New York City and died in East Hampton, New York.
- 1923-2017: Merrill was born in 1923 and died in 2017.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Merrill was a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Merrill's life and career were marked by her passion for acting, her commitment to philanthropy, and her dedication to the arts. She was a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts. She will be remembered for her many contributions to the world of film, television, and philanthropy.
|Personal Details| |:---| |Birth Name| Dina Merrill | |Birth Date| December 29, 1923| |Birth Place| New York City, New York, U.S.| |Death Date| May 22, 2017| |Death Place| East Hampton, New York, U.S.| |Occupation| Actress, socialite, philanthropist, arts advocate| |Spouse(s)| Cliff Robertson (1956-1966), Charles S. Cohen (1969-1989) | |Children| Stanley H. Rumbough Jr., Nedenia Colgate|
Actress
Dina Merrill's acting career was a significant part of her life and legacy. She began her career in the early 1940s and appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career. She is best known for her roles in films such as "The Sundowners" (1960), "Butterfield 8" (1960), and "The Player" (1992).
Merrill's acting career was successful. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in "The Sundowners" and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She also appeared in a number of Broadway productions, including "The Miracle Worker" (1961) and "The Glass Menagerie" (1965).
Merrill's acting career was important to her because it allowed her to express herself creatively and connect with audiences. She was also a strong advocate for the arts and believed that film and television could be a force for good in the world.
Merrill's legacy as an actress continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers. She was a talented actress who was able to bring complex characters to life on screen. She will be remembered for her many contributions to the world of film and television.
Socialite
Dina Merrill's socialite status was closely tied to her acting career. As an actress, she was often in the public eye and attended many social events. She was also married to two wealthy and well-connected men, which further contributed to her socialite status.
Merrill's socialite status had a number of benefits. It gave her access to exclusive social circles and events. It also helped her to promote her acting career and to build relationships with other celebrities and industry professionals.
However, Merrill's socialite status also had some drawbacks. It sometimes led to her being typecast as a socialite in her acting roles. It also made her a target for gossip and scandal.
Overall, Merrill's socialite status was a complex and multifaceted aspect of her life. It had both positive and negative effects on her acting career and her personal life.
Philanthropist
Dina Merrill was known for her generosity and philanthropic efforts. She supported a wide range of charitable organizations, including those focused on the arts, education, and social services.
- Support for the arts: Merrill was a strong supporter of the arts and served on the boards of several cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the New York Philharmonic.
- Support for education: Merrill was also a strong supporter of education and donated to several schools and universities, including Yale University and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
- Support for social services: Merrill was also a strong supporter of social services and donated to several organizations that provided food, shelter, and other services to those in need.
- Personal involvement: Merrill was personally involved in many of the organizations she supported and often volunteered her time and resources to help those in need.
Merrill's philanthropic efforts were motivated by her desire to make a difference in the world. She believed that everyone has a responsibility to help others and that philanthropy was a way to use her wealth and influence to make a positive impact on society.
Arts advocate
Dina Merrill was a passionate advocate for the arts throughout her life. She believed that the arts were essential to a well-rounded education and that they had the power to bring people together and make the world a better place.
- Support for artistic institutions: Merrill was a generous supporter of artistic institutions, both large and small. She served on the boards of several cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Philharmonic, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Mentorship and patronage: Merrill also supported the arts through mentorship and patronage. She mentored young artists and provided financial support to emerging artists and arts organizations.
- Public advocacy: Merrill was also a vocal public advocate for the arts. She spoke out about the importance of arts education and funding for the arts.
Merrill's advocacy for the arts was motivated by her belief that the arts have the power to transform lives. She believed that the arts can inspire creativity, empathy, and understanding. She also believed that the arts can help to build community and bring people together.
New York City
Dina Merrill's connection to New York City was significant throughout her life. She was born in the city in 1923 and died there in 2017. She also maintained a residence in East Hampton, New York, where she spent much of her time.
- Birthplace and early life: Merrill was born into a wealthy and prominent family in New York City. She attended the Chapin School and Miss Porter's School, two of the city's most exclusive private schools. She also made her acting debut in New York City, appearing in a Broadway production in 1945.
- Career and social life: Merrill's career as an actress and socialite was centered in New York City. She appeared in numerous Broadway productions and films, and she was a regular fixture on the city's social scene. She was also a member of the board of directors of the Museum of Modern Art and the New York Philharmonic.
- Later life and legacy: Merrill continued to live in New York City and East Hampton after her retirement from acting. She was a generous philanthropist and supporter of the arts, and she remained active in social and cultural circles until her death.
Merrill's connection to New York City was a source of pride for her, and she often spoke about her love for the city. She once said, "New York is the most exciting city in the world. There's always something to do, see, or experience." Merrill's legacy is closely tied to New York City, and she will be remembered as one of the city's most iconic figures.
1923-2017
The date range of 1923-2017 marks the period during which Dina Merrill lived. She was born on December 29, 1923, in New York City, and died on May 22, 2017, in East Hampton, New York.
- Lifespan: Merrill's lifespan of 93 years is significant in that it encompasses a period of great social and cultural change in the United States. She was born during the Roaring Twenties and lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War.
- Career: Merrill's acting career spanned over five decades, from the early 1940s to the late 1990s. She appeared in over 50 films and television shows, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in "The Sundowners" (1960).
- Socialite status: Merrill was a prominent socialite throughout her life. She was married to two wealthy and well-connected men, and she was a regular fixture on the New York City social scene.
- Legacy: Merrill's legacy as an actress, socialite, philanthropist, and arts advocate will continue to inspire future generations.
Overall, the date range of 1923-2017 is significant in that it represents the period during which Dina Merrill lived and made her mark on the world. She was a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts. She will be remembered for her many contributions to the world of film, television, and philanthropy.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Dina Merrill and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were close friends for many years. They first met in the early 1960s, and their friendship quickly blossomed. They were both members of the same social circle and shared a love of the arts and philanthropy.
Merrill and Onassis were often seen together at social events and charity functions. They also traveled together on several occasions, including a trip to Greece in 1963. Merrill was a trusted confidante of Onassis, and she was one of the few people who knew about her relationship with Aristotle Onassis.
The friendship between Merrill and Onassis was based on mutual respect and admiration. Merrill admired Onassis's intelligence, strength, and style. Onassis admired Merrill's kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.
The friendship between Merrill and Onassis was a source of strength and support for both women. They were there for each other through good times and bad. Merrill was a pallbearer at Onassis's funeral in 1994.
The friendship between Merrill and Onassis is a reminder of the power of female friendship. It is a story of two women who supported each other through thick and thin. Their friendship is an inspiration to us all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dina Merrill
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Dina Merrill, the American actress, socialite, philanthropist, and arts advocate.
Question 1: What was Dina Merrill's most famous role?
Dina Merrill is best known for her roles in films such as "The Sundowners" (1960), "Butterfield 8" (1960), and "The Player" (1992).
Question 2: Who was Dina Merrill married to?
Dina Merrill was married to actor Cliff Robertson from 1956 to 1966 and to producer Charles S. Cohen from 1969 to 1989.
Question 3: Was Dina Merrill a philanthropist?
Yes, Dina Merrill was a generous philanthropist who supported many charitable organizations, including those focused on the arts, education, and social services.
Question 4: What was Dina Merrill's connection to New York City?
Dina Merrill was born in New York City and died there in 2017. She also maintained a residence in East Hampton, New York, where she spent much of her time.
Question 5: What was Dina Merrill's relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis?
Dina Merrill and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were close friends for many years. They were both members of the same social circle and shared a love of the arts and philanthropy.
Question 6: What is Dina Merrill's legacy?
Dina Merrill's legacy as an actress, socialite, philanthropist, and arts advocate will continue to inspire future generations. She was a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts.
Summary: Dina Merrill was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the world of film, television, philanthropy, and the arts. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others for years to come.
Transition to the next article section: Dina Merrill's life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and generosity. She is an inspiration to us all.
Conclusion
Dina Merrill was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the world of film, television, philanthropy, and the arts. Her legacy as an actress, socialite, philanthropist, and arts advocate will continue to inspire future generations.
Merrill's life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and generosity. She was a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts. She will be remembered for her many contributions to the world.
