Nora "Dodo" Denney | |
---|---|
Born |
Dolores Teachenor September 3, 1927 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
Died | November 20, 2005 Crestline, California, U.S. |
(aged 78)
Cause of death | Cancer |
Other names | Dodo Denney |
Occupation | Film, stage, TV actress |
Spouse(s) | Alan Denney |
Children | 2 |
Nora "Dodo" Denney (September 3, 1927 – November 20, 2005), was an American stage, television, and film actress.
She was born Dolores Teachenor in Kansas City, Missouri. Her nickname, Dodo, was derived from the first syllable of her first name, although she would eventually use the first name Nora as well.
Her show business career began in Kansas City when she was hired by the local television station Channel 5 (KCMO TV) to play Marilyn the Witch, an onscreen host for horror movies. She performed in many television series, including Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, Hart to Hart, Get Smart, Room 222 and That Girl, and her film credits included Who's Minding the Mint? (1967), I Walk the Line (1970), Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate (1971), I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now? (1975), American Hot Wax (1978) and Truman (1995). She made her final film appearance in 1999, in Ang Lee's Ride with the Devil.
Perhaps her most notable film role was as Mrs. Teevee in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), starring Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. She was initially the producers' second choice behind Jean Stapleton who performed in the television pilot for All in the Family instead. (Stapleton's portrayal of Edith Bunker in the long-running TV series became her signature role). Denney also appeared in Splash (1984) as the Bloomingdales shop lady who assists Daryl Hannah's mermaid character in buying new clothes.