Doris Kenyon
USABiography of Doris Kenyon
Doris Kenyon was born on September 5, 1897, in Syracuse, New York, United States. Her father, Dr. James B. Kenyon, was a Methodist Episcopal Church minister at the University Church. Kenyon attended the independent Packer College Institute, which prepared students for university colleges, and later studied at Columbia University. She sang in the choirs of Presbyterian and Methodist churches in Brooklyn, New York, where her voice caught the attention of Broadway talent scouts who convinced the talented young woman to step onto the stage.
Early Career and Film
Doris Kenyon made her stage debut in Victor Herbert's operetta "The Princess Pat". In 1915, she made her film debut in the drama "The Rack" directed by Emile Chautard, starring Alice Brady and Milton Sills. One of the most memorable films in Kenyon's early career was the melodrama "Monsieur Beaucaire" (1924) directed by Sidney Olcott, in which she starred alongside Rudolph Valentino. She became part of the ensemble cast of the first studio drama film by Paramount Pictures called "Intereference" (1928), which was accompanied by sound from beginning to end. Throughout her career, Kenyon worked with George Arliss in the historical dramas "Alexander Hamilton" (1931) and "Voltaire" (1933). She also appeared in the drama "Counsellor at Law" (1933) alongside John Barrymore. In the autumn of 1935, Kenyon and Ramon Navarro performed in the play "A Royal Miscarriage" in London, England.
Later Career and Personal Life
After starring in the comedy "Girls' School" (1938) and appearing in around 60 different films, Kenyon's career on the big screen came to an end with a cameo role as Queen Anne in the adventure drama "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1939). However, she continued her career on television in the 1950s. Kenyon appeared in an episode of the soap opera "The Secret Storm" (1954), the series "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars", and the series "All Our Yesterdays" (1958). In the detective television series "77 Sunset Strip", Kenyon was introduced as Lucinda Lane.
After her acting career, Doris Kenyon turned to singing, which she had pursued in her youth. However, she eventually abandoned her plans and settled in Beverly Hills, California. Kenyon was married several times. Her first husband was actor Milton Sills in 1926, and they had a son named Kenyon. She became a widow in 1930. In 1933, the actress married Arthur Hopkins, a successful New York real estate broker. However, they divorced the following year, citing incompatibility. In 1938, Doris married Albert D. Lasker, the owner of the prestigious advertising agency "Lord & Thomas", but they divorced in 1939. Lastly, she was the partner of Bronislaw Mlynarski, the son of composer Emil Mlynarski. Doris Kenyon passed away on September 1, 1979, just four days before her 82nd birthday, in her Beverly Hills home.
In 1924, a newborn baby girl was named Doris Kappelhoff in honor of Doris Kenyon. Later, Kappelhoff became an actress and singer known as Doris Day. Many years later, Day purchased a house in Beverly Hills, located just a few houses away from Kenyon's, on the same street.
