Dolores (Dody) Goodman American actress Date of Birth: 28.10.1914 Country: USA

Biography of Dolores (Dody) Goodman

Dolores "Dody" Goodman was an American actress known for her role as Martha Shumway, the mother of the character played by actress Louise Lasser, in the television series "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman". With her distinctive voice, Goodman announced the title of the show at the beginning of each episode.

Early Life and Career:
Dolores "Dody" Goodman was born on October 28, 1914, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. For many years, she successfully concealed her true age, until it was revealed to the public that she was actually 15 years older than she claimed to be and was not born in 1929.

Goodman received favorable reviews in newspaper publications for her dance solos in Broadway musicals such as "High Button Shoes" in 1947 and "Wonderful Town" in 1953. In 1955, she concluded her performances in the off-Broadway production of "Shoestring Revue" with the new song "Someone's Been Sending Me Flowers". Goodman also became the headliner of Jerry Herman's musical revue "Parade" in 1960, alongside Charles Nelson Reilly. She returned to Broadway in 1974, starring in the musical "Lorelei" with Carol Channing.

Television and Film Career:
Known for her ability to portray eccentric characters both on and off the stage, Goodman gained attention from talk show host Jack Paar, who was charmed by her quirkiness and spontaneity. He invited her to periodically appear on his show "The Tonight Show". As her fame grew, it became difficult for Goodman to continue appearing on talk shows, and Paar himself grew less enamored with her theatrical antics. From 1958 onwards, Goodman spent the next decade appearing on various talk shows, game shows, and establishing herself as a "professional celebrity" in summer theaters.

After her role as Mary Hartman's mother in the television series "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman", Goodman's career experienced significant growth. She regularly appeared in the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" and the soap opera "Texas". She also appeared in two parts of the film "Splash" and the fantasy film "Big" alongside Tom Hanks. Her voice can be heard as Miss Rebecca Miller in the animated series "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and the feature film "The Chipmunk Adventure".

Later Life and Legacy:
Goodman's final film roles were in Peter Crane's "Cops n Roberts" and the low-budget horror film "Black Ribbon" in 2007. She passed away on June 22, 2008, in Englewood, New Jersey.

Dolores "Dody" Goodman left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with her unique and memorable performances, both on stage and screen. Her distinctive voice and eccentric characters continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans.