Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill

The Eternal Debutante

Dina Merrill enjoyed a long and versatile career in film, television, and theater. Despite her wealth, she earned respect in Hollywood for her talent, playing both sophisticated socialites and complex characters. She appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout her career.

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Operation Petticoat - 1959

Dina Merrill (1923 – 2017)

Biography and Movie Career

Dina Merrill, born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton on December 29, 1923, in New York City, was a renowned American actress, philanthropist, and socialite. Her life was marked by both privilege and achievement, as she rose from her family's immense wealth to carve out her own successful career in entertainment. Beyond her work in film and television, Merrill was also a dedicated philanthropist, contributing significantly to the arts and various charitable causes.

Early Life and Family Background

Dina Merrill was born into one of America’s wealthiest and most prominent families. Her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, was the heiress to the Postum Cereal Company (which later became General Foods), and her father, Edward Francis Hutton, was a financier and founder of the brokerage firm E.F. Hutton & Co. The wealth and prestige of her family placed Dina in the upper echelons of New York and Palm Beach society.

Raised in luxury, she had access to the finest education and cultural experiences. Despite her privilege, Merrill was instilled with a sense of discipline and a desire to make her own mark. She attended the prestigious Miss Porter’s School, an elite all-girls’ boarding school, and later studied at George Washington University. Dina initially studied economics, as her parents expected her to join the family business, but her true passion was for the arts, and soon she followed that path.

Path Towards Success

Merrill’s passion for acting led her to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where she refined her craft. It was during this period that she adopted the stage name Dina Merrill, distancing herself from the family name and making a conscious decision to create an identity independent of her family's wealth and stature. She made her Broadway debut in the 1945 play The Mermaids Singing.

Her entrance into Hollywood was in 1957 when she made her film debut in Desk Set, starring alongside Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. This marked the beginning of a film career that spanned several decades. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Merrill became a prominent supporting actress, known for her roles in films such as Operation Petticoat (1959), The Sundowners (1960), Butterfield 8 (1960), and The Young Savages (1961). She often portrayed elegant, sophisticated women, mirroring her own public persona as a glamorous socialite.

Despite not reaching the heights of superstardom, Merrill was respected for her grace, poise, and professionalism. She worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and was often seen as a refreshing presence in both comedies and dramas. Her television career was equally successful, with appearances on popular shows like Bonanza, The Love Boat, and Batman. She became a regular guest star in the era when television was becoming a dominant entertainment medium.

Personal Life and Marriages

Merrill’s personal life was as captivating as her professional one. She was married three times, and each marriage was widely covered by the media due to the high-profile status of both her and her husbands.

Her first marriage was to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., an heir to the Colgate-Palmolive fortune and a businessman. They were married in 1946 and had three children: Stanley Rumbough III, David Rumbough, and Nina Rumbough. Their marriage lasted 20 years before they divorced in 1966. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when their son David died in a boating accident in 1973.

In the same year as her divorce from Rumbough, Dina married Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson. The couple had one daughter, Heather Robertson. Dina’s marriage to Robertson was a high-profile Hollywood pairing, and together they were often seen at glamorous events and in public. However, after over two decades, their marriage ended in divorce in 1989. Sadly, Heather died of cancer in 2007, another heartbreak for Merrill.

Her third marriage, in 1989, was to Ted Hartley, a former actor and successful investment banker. Together, they became a formidable business and philanthropic team, particularly in their work with RKO Pictures, which Hartley owned. The couple also engaged in many charitable endeavors, maintaining an active presence in both the entertainment world and social spheres.

Passions and Philanthropy

Dina Merrill was more than just an actress; she was deeply committed to philanthropy throughout her life. Inspired by her mother’s charitable work, Merrill became involved in numerous causes. She was a trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and an active supporter of the New York City Mission Society, which helps children and families in need. She also served on the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and supported mental health initiatives.

One of her most significant contributions was to the arts, particularly her involvement with the performing arts. Merrill believed deeply in the power of theater and the arts to enrich lives and foster creativity. She also used her prominence to support educational causes, aligning herself with institutions that promoted higher learning and artistic development.

Her involvement in charitable activities did not overshadow her business acumen. Together with her third husband, Ted Hartley, she led RKO Pictures and was instrumental in revitalizing the company. Merrill’s combination of Hollywood success, business leadership, and charitable efforts earned her a respected reputation far beyond her family name.

Later Years and Death

In her later years, Dina Merrill gradually stepped back from acting and public life, although she continued to participate in philanthropic activities with her husband. She was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative condition that affects thinking, movement, mood, and behavior. Merrill spent her final years battling the disease.

On May 22, 2017, Dina Merrill passed away at her home in East Hampton, New York, at the age of 93. The official cause of death was complications from Lewy body dementia. Her death marked the end of a life that, while privileged in many ways, was also defined by a relentless drive to contribute to the world through her acting, business ventures, and charitable work.

Legacy

Dina Merrill will be remembered as one of the last links to Old Hollywood and a figure who represented both glamour and substance. Despite her wealth, she was known for her dedication to her craft, her tireless charitable work, and her efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. Her elegance, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and on the many organizations she supported throughout her life.

Video Biography on Dina Merrill

Elegant Acting Style of Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill's acting style was defined by grace, sophistication, and an understated elegance that echoed both her real-life persona and the characters she often portrayed on screen. She brought a refined presence to every role, exuding a sense of upper-class poise and charm, which resonated with the glamorous image Hollywood cultivated during the mid-20th century.

Elegance and Sophistication

Merrill’s background as a socialite translated seamlessly into her acting, where she often played wealthy, refined characters who moved through high society with ease. Her roles in films like Butterfield 8 and The Sundowners allowed her to display the kind of calm composure and gracefulness that became her signature. She had an aristocratic bearing, frequently cast as a woman of influence or privilege, and her ability to embody sophistication was unmatched. Even in comedic settings, like Operation Petticoat and Caddyshack II, Merrill maintained a poised demeanor that set her apart from more exaggerated comedic performances.

Subtlety and Restraint

Merrill was never an actress who relied on grand gestures or over-the-top emotional displays. Instead, she embraced subtlety and nuance in her performances. Her facial expressions and body language conveyed much of her characters' inner thoughts, often speaking volumes through a raised eyebrow, a measured glance, or a poised posture. This restraint made her particularly effective in dramas and roles that required a deeper understanding of emotional undercurrents, such as in The Young Savages. Merrill's reserved performances could communicate a world of complexity without overt displays of emotion, allowing audiences to interpret her characters’ motivations through suggestion rather than direct expression.

Versatility Within a Type

Though Merrill was often typecast as the wealthy, elegant woman, she had a surprising versatility within that type. She could be empathetic and vulnerable, as seen in The Happy Ending, or sharp and witty in comedies like Don’t Make Waves. Even when playing similar archetypes, she added subtle differences to each character. In The Courtship of Eddie's Father, her role as a potential love interest showcased her ability to balance sophistication with warmth, while in Roots: The Next Generations, she portrayed a woman of high social standing with a deep sense of historical significance. Merrill was adept at tailoring her characters to the specific needs of each story, adding layers of complexity to roles that could have easily been one-dimensional in the hands of a less capable actress.

Controlled Emotional Range

While Merrill was capable of portraying emotional vulnerability, she often did so with a sense of control, aligning with the societal norms of the characters she played. Her emotional depth was usually expressed through subtle, refined gestures, rather than overt dramatics. This controlled emotional range was especially effective in films like The Sundowners, where she played a woman attempting to balance personal desires with societal expectations. Her ability to suggest the conflicts simmering beneath the surface made her characters relatable despite their privileged backgrounds. This quiet intensity worked well in roles that required characters to maintain a public façade while struggling with inner turmoil.

Supporting Role Excellence

Although Dina Merrill never became a leading lady in the traditional sense, she excelled in supporting roles, where her presence often elevated the entire ensemble. She brought a sense of credibility and balance to films, allowing the leads to shine while providing a necessary grounding influence. In movies like Operation Petticoat, Merrill’s calm and collected portrayal of a nurse amidst chaos provided a foil to the more exaggerated personalities around her. Her subtlety complemented the larger-than-life performances of her co-stars, enhancing the overall dynamic of the film.

Classic Hollywood Glamour

Merrill’s look and style embodied the classic Hollywood aesthetic of the mid-20th century. With her tall, statuesque figure, perfectly coiffed hair, and graceful movements, she was the picture of Old Hollywood glamour. This image extended beyond the screen, as Merrill carried herself with the same elegance in real life. Her acting style mirrored the polished, glamorous women that defined the silver screen during this era, contributing to her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most sophisticated actresses. Whether in a ball gown or casual attire, she maintained an air of refinement that became her signature.

Relatability Behind the Glamour

Despite her frequently glamorous roles, Merrill had an ability to inject a degree of relatability into her characters. She often portrayed women who, despite their wealth and status, had personal struggles, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. This was evident in Butterfield 8, where she played a character trying to maintain control over her life while facing emotional challenges. Merrill’s knack for showing the human side of her characters, no matter how outwardly composed they appeared, allowed audiences to connect with her even in roles that seemed far removed from everyday life.

Professionalism and Poise

Throughout her career, Merrill was known for her professionalism and dedication to her craft. Directors and co-stars frequently remarked on her reliability, her work ethic, and her unwavering commitment to bringing authenticity to her roles. She wasn’t driven by the need for fame or critical acclaim but rather by the joy of performing and contributing to the story. This quiet professionalism was reflected in her acting style, where she delivered consistently strong performances without needing to command the spotlight. Her sense of poise, both on and off screen, became a hallmark of her acting approach.

Awards and Recognition

Dina Merrill, while widely respected for her acting talent, business acumen, and philanthropy, did not receive a large number of major acting awards throughout her career, particularly when compared to other Hollywood actresses of her time. However, her contributions to the entertainment industry and philanthropy were recognized in various ways over the years.

Golden Globe Award Nomination

• 1960: Dina Merrill was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Sundowners (1960), a film that also starred Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr. This was one of her most recognized performances, where she played an Englishwoman traveling in Australia. Although she did not win, this nomination was a significant acknowledgment of her acting talent early in her career.

Women in Film Crystal Award

• 1989: Merrill received the Women in Film Crystal Award, which honors women in the entertainment industry whose outstanding contributions have helped to expand the role of women in film. Merrill’s work both on-screen and behind the scenes as a philanthropist and business leader in the entertainment industry earned her this prestigious recognition.

Silver Spoon Award (Food Allergy Initiative)

• Dina Merrill received the Silver Spoon Award from the Food Allergy Initiative, an organization dedicated to food allergy research and education. Merrill was a longtime supporter of the cause, and this award recognized her contributions to raising awareness and funds to help those suffering from food allergies.

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Trustee

• Dina Merrill served as a trustee of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which oversees the Emmy Awards. Although this is not an award, her appointment as a trustee signified her respected status within the television industry and acknowledged her influence as both an actress and a supporter of the arts.

Palm Beach Civic Association's Community Service Award

• Merrill was a recipient of the Community Service Award from the Palm Beach Civic Association. This award recognized her longstanding contributions to the Palm Beach community, where she lived for many years. Merrill was involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, especially those focusing on arts and education.

Presidential Appointment to the Board of John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

• Dina Merrill was appointed to the Board of Trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by President George H. W. Bush. This appointment was an acknowledgment of her dedication to the performing arts and her philanthropic efforts in supporting cultural institutions. Her service in this capacity further established her influence in the arts world beyond acting.

Silver Medallion Award (National Human Relations Award)

• Merrill received the Silver Medallion Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews (now the National Conference for Community and Justice). This award was given in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and commitment to fostering diversity and understanding across different communities.

Recognition for Philanthropy and Business Acumen

• While not tied to specific awards, Dina Merrill’s contributions to the world of philanthropy and business were widely recognized. As co-owner of RKO Pictures with her third husband, Ted Hartley, Merrill played a significant role in revitalizing the iconic studio. Her business achievements and philanthropic work earned her broad respect within the entertainment industry and the broader social circles in which she moved.

Recognition from New York City Mission Society

• Merrill was also honored by the New York City Mission Society, a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need. Her service on the board of the organization and her active participation in fundraising efforts were acknowledged through various honors and recognitions from the society.

Honorary Degrees and Other Civic Honors

• Over her lifetime, Merrill was the recipient of several honorary degrees and civic honors from various universities and organizations. While specific awards are less documented, her contributions to educational and cultural institutions were frequently recognized by these establishments.

Palm Beach Opera Honorary Chair

• Dina Merrill served as the Honorary Chair of the Palm Beach Opera, acknowledging her dedication to the performing arts. Although this is not an acting award, it reflected her commitment to supporting opera and live performance.

Quotes by Dina Merrill

On wealth and her career:

• "It never occurred to me to be anything other than an actress. It was part of my life. Being from this family, you were constantly surrounded by interesting people. So acting seemed to be an extension of that."

Merrill spoke often about her decision to pursue acting despite being born into immense wealth, explaining that her passion for acting was separate from her privileged upbringing.

On independence and making her own way:

• "I was lucky to have a family with a lot of money. But it was also a challenge. I didn't want to be a part of the social whirl; I wanted to work in a profession that could give me identity."

Dina Merrill was determined to create her own identity outside the shadow of her wealthy and influential family. This quote reflects her desire for independence and personal achievement.

On working in Hollywood:

• "I didn't want to be just another pretty face. I wanted to play different kinds of roles, and I was lucky enough to be cast in interesting parts, although often as the 'rich girl.'"

Here, Merrill acknowledged the typecasting she often faced as the sophisticated, wealthy woman in films, but also expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she received.

On the importance of philanthropy:

• "My mother always said, ‘If you have wealth, it’s your duty to help those who need it.’ She instilled in me the idea that giving back is not only necessary but enriching."

Merrill was a devoted philanthropist, and this quote reflects the lessons she learned from her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, about the responsibilities that come with wealth.

On life and love:

• "Love isn’t about being in the spotlight or what the world thinks. It’s about who you are when you’re with the one you love."

This quote reveals Merrill’s perspective on the importance of authenticity in relationships, beyond the public image often associated with her glamorous life.

On her acting career:

• "Acting gave me the chance to lead many lives. I could be anyone, anywhere, at any time, which is a wonderful escape and adventure."

Merrill appreciated the transformative power of acting, viewing it as an opportunity to explore new personas and experiences.

On legacy and her contribution to the arts:

• "What you leave behind is more important than what you achieve. I hope I’ve contributed to the arts in a meaningful way and helped to elevate its place in society."

Movies with Dina Merrill

1957:

• Desk Set

Synopsis: A romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The film is set in a television network where a librarian (Hepburn) clashes with an efficiency expert (Tracy) over the introduction of a new computer system. Dina Merrill played the role of Sylvia Blair, one of the librarian’s assistants.

1958:

• A Nice Little Bank That Should Be Robbed

Synopsis: A light-hearted crime comedy about two small-time crooks who try to rob a bank and run into a series of mishaps. Dina Merrill has a supporting role in this playful caper film.

1959:

• Operation Petticoat

Synopsis: A World War II comedy about a pink submarine and its chaotic crew, starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. Merrill plays Barbara Duran, one of the nurses aboard the submarine. Her character adds to the hilarity as the male crew deals with the challenges of having female passengers.

1960:

• The Sundowners

Synopsis: This drama is set in 1920s Australia and follows a nomadic family as they struggle to settle down. Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr star as a couple trying to find stability. Dina Merrill plays a sophisticated Englishwoman, Jean Halstead, who befriends the couple during their journey.

• Butterfield 8

Synopsis: Elizabeth Taylor stars in this drama about Gloria Wandrous, a high-society woman with a complicated love life. Dina Merrill plays Emily Liggett, a wealthy socialite who navigates the same elite circles as Gloria. The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-identity.

1961:

• The Young Savages

Synopsis: A courtroom drama about a lawyer (Burt Lancaster) defending a group of young men accused of gang violence in New York. Merrill plays Karin Bell, the lawyer’s upper-class wife, as he grapples with moral dilemmas while trying to understand the roots of juvenile delinquency.

1963:

• The Courtship of Eddie’s Father

Synopsis: A widowed father (Glenn Ford) is persuaded by his son (Ron Howard) to start dating again, leading to a series of romantic misadventures. Dina Merrill plays Rita Behrens, one of the women the father courts, contributing to the comedic confusion in the film.

1965:

• I'll Take Sweden

Synopsis: A comedy about a father (Bob Hope) who moves his family to Sweden to separate his daughter from her free-spirited boyfriend. Merrill plays Abby Taylor, a glamorous woman Bob Hope’s character gets romantically involved with during the move.

1966:

• The Greatest

Synopsis: A biographical sports drama about the life and career of Muhammad Ali. Dina Merrill has a small role in this inspiring film about the legendary boxer’s rise to fame and his struggles both inside and outside the ring.

1967:

• Don't Make Waves

Synopsis: A comedy about a tourist (Tony Curtis) who becomes embroiled in the chaotic lives of a group of eccentric California beach dwellers. Merrill plays Diane, an attractive woman who draws the attention of Curtis's character, adding to the film’s romantic entanglements.

1969:

• Justine

Synopsis: A drama set in Alexandria, Egypt, during World War II. The film revolves around a young man who becomes involved with a woman named Justine and her mysterious political activities. Dina Merrill plays Liza, a member of the elite, adding intrigue to the film's complex love triangle.

1970:

• The Happy Ending

Synopsis: A drama that delves into the struggles of a suburban housewife (Jean Simmons) as she copes with dissatisfaction in her seemingly perfect life. Merrill plays Helen, a friend who offers advice and represents the high society that the protagonist feels trapped in.

1975:

• The Power

Synopsis: A science fiction thriller about a secret government project that discovers a man with incredible psychic powers. Merrill plays Sally Mills, a character who gets caught up in the dangerous chase to capture the individual with superhuman abilities.

1977:

• Roots: The Next Generations (TV Mini-Series)

Synopsis: This miniseries continued the story of Alex Haley’s ancestors from the Civil War era into the 20th century. Merrill played influential socialite Mrs. Warner in one of the episodes, navigating the dramatic developments of post-slavery America.

1979:

• A Wedding

Synopsis: Directed by Robert Altman, this ensemble comedy follows the chaotic events that unfold during a wedding between two wealthy families. Merrill plays Antoinette, one of the wedding guests, adding to the mix of quirky characters.

1988:

• Caddyshack II

Synopsis: A sequel to the cult comedy Caddyshack, this film focuses on a real estate tycoon trying to join a posh country club. Merrill plays Mrs. Scott, the wife of one of the club’s elite members, in this light-hearted and irreverent comedy.

1991:

• The Player

Synopsis: A satirical take on Hollywood, directed by Robert Altman. Merrill plays herself in a cameo, reflecting her status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. The film is a biting look at the cutthroat nature of the film business.

1997:

• True Colors (TV Movie)

Synopsis: A made-for-TV movie about the complexities of race and identity in America. Merrill plays a secondary role in this thought-provoking drama about racial tensions and societal expectations.

2003:

• Shade

Synopsis: A crime thriller set in the world of high-stakes poker, Shade follows a group of con artists trying to pull off a major scam. Merrill plays Eve, one of the key characters in the film’s twist-laden plot. The movie blends elements of deception and intrigue.