Dors, Diana (1931–1984)

English actor. Promoted as a high-profile sex symbol by the Rank Organization, she enjoyed great personal popularity although generally typecast in blowsy supporting roles. Accomplished stage work in Three Months Gone (1970) brought her good character parts in films like Deep End (1970) and The Amazing Mr Blunden (1972), but she subsequently turned to cabaret and television work as an agony aunt. Her final screen appearance was Steaming (1984).

Dors was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Following her film debut in The Shop at Sly Corner (1946), she was signed to a long-term contract with Rank who groomed her for stardom in their ‘Charm School’. She appeared in various low-budget comedies but, despite an effective dramatic performance in Yield to the Night (1956) and highly publicized visits to Hollywood, she never received substantial leading roles.