Feisty, red-headed, attractive silent screen actress, who entered pictures in May 1926. The daughter of western actor/producer Wallace D. Coburn (1872-1954), she was a popular opponent to Laurel and Hardy. Never afraid to get herself covered in mud, pies or paint; a real good sport! She was also an accomplished rider and a fit athlete, occasionally working as a stunt performer in westerns. After the advent of sound, she was sometimes engaged as a stand-in for Ginger Rogers at RKO. Her daily swim in Culver City Community pool led to her being sent to Hal Roach Studios to double Helene Chadwick in swimming and diving.
Dorothy's first (of two) husband was Gene Alsace, and was a real con artist. It is presumed he may have influenced her decision to leave the movie industry, though the termination of her contract with Hal Roach in 1928 may also have played a part in this. She is buried in Grand View Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles, California, USA.
(Plot: Section B, Lot 31, Grave 7.)
With regards to her exact date of birth, the Great Falls (Montana) Genealogical Society has posted the Cascade County MT Birth Records taken from the County Birth Registrations 1887-1944. The records, dated 22 June 1920 state she was born on June 7th, 1904. Other sources have listed June 8th, and even offer different years. Her birth certificate is posted below, which clearly states June 7, 1904. Her grave marker correctly states 1904. The 1910, 1920 and 1940 Census state 1905, and other sources say 1906: a passenger manifest from October 9th, 1917, on return with family from Hawaii states she was aged 11 and her date of birth being June 8th, 1906, Great Falls, Montana. The 1930 Census published on April 1st, indicates 1906 (age 24 last birthday), as does her marriage certificate from November 29th, 1930 which indicates 1906 (age 24 at last birthday). |
