She performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, was courted by Frank Sinatra, starred in a traveling show with George Burns. and appeared in movies with the likes of Spencer Tracey, Milton Berle and Ethel Merman.

Then, about 20 years ago, she traded it all for the quiet life on Bainbridge Island.

Most islanders are only just now coming to learn that Hollywood actress Dorothy Provine lived here. She was fairly reclusive, keeping close to her family, her garden, books, and pets before passing away last week at the age of 75.

The Sun’s Rachel Pritchett had the first story about her death, which you can read HERE. Then came a flood of news reports and remembrances about the “leggy, blond actress,” in such places at the New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

For true Dorothy Provine fans, click over HERE for a lengthy timeline of her career. Much of the information appears to have been pulled from 1960s-era Hollywood gossip publications.

Some of her earliest roles included playing outlaw Clyde Barrow’s partner in the “Bonnie Parker Story” and the title character in 1959’s “30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock.” You can see the trailer from that movie below.

Some of her more high-profile roles came later in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963), “The Great Race” (1965) and “That Darn Cat!” (1965). She is apparently best known for her role as Pinky Pinkham in the TV series “The Roaring 20s.” Check out some of her famed dance moves from that show below.

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