The Definitive Guide To Dina Merrill: Life, Career, And Legacy

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 the daughter of Post Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and investment banker Edward Francis Hutton and the granddaughter of C. W. Post.

Merrill began her acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in a number of films and television shows. She is best known for her roles in the films "The Desk Set" (1957), "Operation Petticoat" (1959), and "Butterfield 8" (1960). Merrill was also a successful stage actress, appearing in a number of Broadway productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" (1945) and "The Country Girl" (1950).

In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a prominent socialite and philanthropist. She was a member of the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. Merrill was also a major supporter of the arts, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater in 1972.

Dina Merrill was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the worlds of film, theater, and philanthropy. She will be remembered for her talent, her beauty, and her generous spirit.

Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill was an American actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was known for her roles in films such as "The Desk Set" and "Operation Petticoat", and for her work on Broadway. Merrill was also a prominent socialite and philanthropist, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater.

• Actress
• Socialite
• Philanthropist
• Broadway star
• Founder of the Dina Merrill Dance Theater
• Granddaughter of C. W. Post

Merrill's acting career spanned over four decades, and she appeared in over 50 films and television shows. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in the film "Operation Petticoat". Merrill was also a successful stage actress, appearing in a number of Broadway productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Country Girl".

In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a prominent socialite and philanthropist. She was a member of the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. Merrill was also a major supporter of the arts, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater in 1972.

Dina Merrill was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the worlds of film, theater, and philanthropy. She will be remembered for her talent, her beauty, and her generous spirit.

Actress

Dina Merrill was an accomplished actress who starred in over 50 films and television shows throughout her career. She was known for her versatility, appearing in a wide range of roles from comedies to dramas.

• Early Career
  

  Merrill began her acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in a number of small roles in films and on television. She got her big break in 1957 when she was cast in the film "The Desk Set" alongside Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

• Breakthrough Roles
  

  Merrill's breakthrough role came in the 1959 film "Operation Petticoat". She played the role of Lieutenant Dolores Crandall, a nurse who is assigned to a submarine during World War II. Merrill's performance was praised by critics, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her work.

• Later Career
  

  Merrill continued to act throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in a number of films and television shows. She also appeared on Broadway in a number of productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Country Girl".

• Legacy
  

  Merrill's legacy as an actress is secure. She was a talented and versatile performer who was able to bring a wide range of characters to life. She will be remembered for her many memorable roles in film and television.

Dina Merrill's career as an actress is a testament to her talent and dedication. She was a gifted performer who was able to connect with audiences of all ages. Her work will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Socialite

Dina Merrill was a prominent socialite in addition to her acting career. She was known for her beauty, her wealth, and her connections to high society. Merrill was a regular fixture at parties and events, and she was often photographed by the paparazzi. She was also known for her philanthropy, and she supported a number of charities and organizations.

Merrill's socialite status gave her a number of advantages in her acting career. She was able to use her connections to get access to better roles and to meet important people in the industry. She was also able to use her wealth to finance her own projects.

However, Merrill's socialite status also had some drawbacks. She was often criticized for being out of touch with the common people. She was also accused of using her wealth and connections to get ahead in her career.

Philanthropist

Dina Merrill was a generous philanthropist who supported a number of charities and organizations. She was particularly interested in the arts, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater in 1972. Merrill also served on the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History.

Merrill's philanthropy was motivated by her desire to give back to the community. She believed that everyone has a responsibility to help those less fortunate. Merrill was also a strong advocate for the arts. She believed that the arts are essential to a healthy society, and she wanted to make sure that everyone had access to them.

Merrill's philanthropy made a significant difference in the lives of many people. She helped to fund important programs and organizations, and she inspired others to give back to their communities. Merrill's legacy as a philanthropist will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Broadway star

Dina Merrill was a successful Broadway star, appearing in a number of productions throughout her career. She made her Broadway debut in 1945 in the play "The Glass Menagerie". She went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "The Country Girl" (1950), "The Desk Set" (1955), and "Butterfield 8" (1960).

Merrill's Broadway career was important for a number of reasons. First, it helped her to develop her acting skills. She was able to work with some of the best actors and directors in the business, and she learned a great deal about the craft of acting. Second, her Broadway success helped her to launch her film career. She was able to use her Broadway credits to get auditions for film roles, and she eventually became a successful film actress.

Merrill's Broadway career is a testament to her talent and dedication. She was a gifted actress who was able to bring a wide range of characters to life. She will be remembered for her many memorable performances on Broadway.

Founder of the Dina Merrill Dance Theater

Dina Merrill was the founder of the Dina Merrill Dance Theater, a non-profit dance company that was based in New York City. The company was founded in 1972, and it quickly became one of the most respected dance companies in the United States. The company's mission was to produce and present high-quality dance performances, and to provide a platform for emerging choreographers.

Merrill was a passionate supporter of the arts, and she believed that dance was an important part of a well-rounded education. She was also a strong advocate for women in the arts, and she wanted to provide a platform for female choreographers to showcase their work.

The Dina Merrill Dance Theater was a major force in the New York City dance scene for over 20 years. The company produced over 100 new dance works, and it toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The company also provided training and mentorship opportunities for young dancers.

The Dina Merrill Dance Theater closed in 1994, but its legacy continues to live on. The company's work helped to shape the development of contemporary dance in the United States, and it inspired a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

Dina Merrill's founding of the Dina Merrill Dance Theater is a testament to her commitment to the arts and to her belief in the power of dance. The company's work made a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of New York City, and it continues to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world.

Granddaughter of C. W. Post

Dina Merrill was the granddaughter of C. W. Post, an American businessman and inventor who founded the Postum Cereal Company. Post was a successful entrepreneur, and his wealth and connections gave Merrill a number of advantages in her life and career.

• Wealth and Privilege
  

  As the granddaughter of a wealthy man, Merrill had access to the best education and opportunities. She attended exclusive schools and traveled extensively. She also had the financial resources to pursue her acting career without having to worry about money.

• Social Connections
  

  Post's wealth and connections gave Merrill access to high society. She was able to meet and socialize with some of the most influential people in the world. These connections helped her to get her foot in the door in the acting world.

• Legacy
  

  Merrill was proud of her grandfather's legacy. She often spoke about his accomplishments and how they inspired her. She also used her platform to promote his products and to support his charitable causes.

Dina Merrill's grandfather had a significant impact on her life and career. His wealth and connections gave her a number of advantages, and his legacy inspired her to give back to the community.

FAQs about Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill was an American actress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was known for her roles in films such as "The Desk Set" and "Operation Petticoat", and for her work on Broadway. Merrill was also a prominent socialite and philanthropist, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater.

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

Dina Merrill is best known for her role as Lieutenant Dolores Crandall in the 1959 film "Operation Petticoat".

Question 2: Was Dina Merrill related to any famous people?

Yes, Dina Merrill was the granddaughter of C. W. Post, the founder of the Postum Cereal Company.

Question 3: What was Dina Merrill's connection to Broadway?

Dina Merrill was a successful Broadway actress, appearing in a number of productions, including "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Country Girl".

Question 4: What was Dina Merrill's philanthropic work?

Dina Merrill was a generous philanthropist, supporting a number of charities and organizations. She was particularly interested in the arts, and she founded the Dina Merrill Dance Theater in 1972.

Question 5: What was Dina Merrill's legacy?

Dina Merrill's legacy is as a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts.

Question 6: When and where was Dina Merrill born and when did she die?

Dina Merrill was born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton on December 29, 1923 in New York City. She died on May 22, 2017 in East Hampton, New York.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Dina Merrill. For more information, please visit her official website or read her biography.

Transition to the next article section

Conclusion

Dina Merrill was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the worlds of film, theater, and philanthropy. She was a talented actress, a generous philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the arts. Merrill's legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Merrill's story is a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the world. We can use our talents and resources to help others and to make the world a better place. Merrill's legacy is a challenge to all of us to live our lives with purpose and passion.