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Dorothy Gish biography

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Dorothy Gish, younger sister of actress Lillian Gish, was a film actress in the first half of the 20th century.

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Dorothy Gish made her film debut in An Unseen Enemy. With the help of childhood friend Mary Pickford, Dorothy was soon under the directorship of D.W. Griffith, and she became an early star of the silent screen. Early on, she made several memorable films, including In Hearts of the World and Orphans of the Storm. After talking pictures became the norm, Gish transitioned back to the stage.

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Actress. Born Dorothy Elizabeth Gish on March 11, 1898 in Dayton, Ohio. Her single mother took up acting to support the family, and Dorothy Gish and her older sister, Lillian, soon followed. Though many saw her as the less-celebrated younger sister of the famous Lillian Gish, Dorothy was an adept comedienne who went on to star in more than 100 short films and features.

Dorothy and Lillian made their big screen debut in An Unseen Enemy. With the help of childhood friend Mary Pickford, Dorothy was soon under the directorship of D. W. Griffith, and she became an early star of the silent screen. She made several memorable films as a young woman, including 1918's In Hearts of the World, 1922's Orphans of the Storm and 1920's Remodeling Her Husband.

After the film industry converted to talking pictures, Gish transitioned back to the stage. By this time she was an enormous star, and her performances drew large crowds eager to see her in person. Notable stage performances include Young Love, Life With Father co-starring Lillian, and Miss Susie Slagle's, which was televised on NBC in 1955.

Dorothy Gish returned to films later in life, although less frequently. These films include 1944's Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, 1946's The Magnificent Yankee and Centennial Summer, and 1951';s The Whistle at Eaton Falls. Gish was married to actor James Rennie from 1920-1935. She died on June 4, 1968 from bronchial pneumonia at age 70.

© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

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