A Legendary Actress: Dina Merrill's Contributions To Cinema

Who was Dina Merrill?

Dina Merrill (born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton; December 29, 1923 May 22, 2017) was an American actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder. She was the daughter of Post Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her second husband, stockbroker Edward Francis Hutton.

Merrill began her acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in such films as "The Sundowners" (1950), "Desk Set" (1957), and "Operation Petticoat" (1959). She also starred in several television series, including "The Twilight Zone" (1959) and "Route 66" (1960). In addition to her acting career, Merrill was also a successful horse breeder and philanthropist.

Merrill was married three times, first to Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr. from 1946 to 1966, then to Cliff Robertson from 1966 to 1989, and finally to Ted Hartley from 1992 until her death in 2017.

Merrill was a prominent figure in New York society and was known for her philanthropy and her support of the arts. She was a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library, and she was a major donor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Merrill also served on the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Dina Merrill

Actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder Dina Merrill was a prominent figure in New York society and a major donor to the arts.

• Actress: Merrill starred in several films and television series, including "The Sundowners", "Desk Set", and "Operation Petticoat".
• Socialite: Merrill was a prominent figure in New York society and was known for her philanthropy and her support of the arts.
• Philanthropist: Merrill was a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library, and she was a major donor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Horse breeder: Merrill was a successful horse breeder and owned several racehorses that won major races.
• Wife: Merrill was married three times, first to Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr., then to Cliff Robertson, and finally to Ted Hartley.
• Mother: Merrill had three children, two with Rumbough and one with Robertson.

Merrill's life was one of glamour and privilege, but she was also a hard-working actress and a dedicated philanthropist. She was a generous supporter of the arts and education, and she made a significant contribution to New York society.

Actress

Dina Merrill's acting career spanned over four decades, and she appeared in a wide variety of films and television shows. Her most notable roles include:

• The Sundowners (1950): Merrill played a young Australian woman who falls in love with a drover (Robert Mitchum).
• Desk Set (1957): Merrill played a television researcher who falls in love with a computer programmer (Spencer Tracy).
• Operation Petticoat (1959): Merrill played a Navy nurse who falls in love with a submarine commander (Cary Grant).

In addition to her film career, Merrill also appeared in several television series, including "The Twilight Zone" (1959) and "Route 66" (1960). She also had a recurring role on the soap opera "All My Children" (1970-1971).

Merrill's acting career was successful, and she was able to balance her personal life with her professional life. She was married three times and had three children. She was also a successful horse breeder and philanthropist.

Socialite

Dina Merrill's socialite status was closely connected to her wealth, her family connections, and her marriage to Stanley Rumbough Jr., a prominent investment banker. As a socialite, Merrill had access to the highest levels of New York society and was a regular at charity events and social gatherings. She used her social status to support the arts and other charitable causes.

• Philanthropy: Merrill was a generous philanthropist and donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations. She was particularly interested in supporting the arts and education.
• Arts Patronage: Merrill was a major patron of the arts and supported many artists and institutions. She was a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library, and she was a major donor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Social Connections: Merrill's social connections allowed her to make a significant impact on the New York art scene. She was friends with many artists and collectors, and she often used her influence to promote their work.

Merrill's socialite status gave her a unique platform to support the arts and other charitable causes. She was able to use her wealth and influence to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Philanthropist

Dina Merrill's philanthropy was a major part of her life and was closely connected to her socialite status and her wealth. As a prominent figure in New York society, Merrill had access to the highest levels of society and was able to use her influence to support the arts and other charitable causes.

Merrill's philanthropy was particularly focused on the arts and education. She was a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Public Library, and she was a major donor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She also supported many other arts organizations, including the New York City Ballet and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition to her support of the arts, Merrill also supported many other charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and social services. She was a major donor to the United Way of New York City and the American Red Cross, and she also supported many other organizations that provided services to the needy.

Merrill's philanthropy was a major force for good in New York City and beyond. She used her wealth and influence to make a real difference in the lives of others, and her legacy will continue to benefit the city for years to come.

Horse breeder

Dina Merrill's passion for horse breeding began in the 1950s, when she purchased a farm in Upperville, Virginia. She quickly became one of the leading breeders of Thoroughbred racehorses in the United States, and her horses won many major races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Merrill's success as a horse breeder was due to her dedication to the sport and her willingness to invest in quality horses. She also had a keen eye for talent, and she was able to identify and develop some of the best racehorses in the country.

Merrill's horse breeding operation was also a major economic force in Upperville, Virginia. She employed dozens of people, and her horses helped to boost the local economy. Merrill was also a generous supporter of the community, and she donated millions of dollars to local charities and organizations.

Merrill's legacy as a horse breeder is still felt today. Many of the horses she bred went on to become champions, and her bloodlines are still found in many of the top racehorses in the world. Merrill's success as a horse breeder is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to excellence.

Wife

Dina Merrill's marriages were an important part of her life and influenced her social status, wealth, and career.

• Social Status: Merrill's marriages to wealthy and influential men helped to elevate her social status. She was a prominent figure in New York society and was known for her philanthropy and her support of the arts.
• Wealth: Merrill's marriages also increased her wealth. Her first husband, Stanley Rumbough, Jr., was a wealthy investment banker, and her second husband, Cliff Robertson, was a successful actor. Merrill used her wealth to support her philanthropic endeavors and to live a lavish lifestyle.
• Career: Merrill's marriages also had an impact on her career. Her first husband, Stanley Rumbough, Jr., was supportive of her acting career, and he helped her to get her start in Hollywood. Merrill's second husband, Cliff Robertson, was also an actor, and they often worked together on films and television shows.

Merrill's marriages were a complex part of her life, but they ultimately helped to shape her into the woman she became. She was a successful actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder, and she left a lasting legacy on New York society.

Mother

Dina Merrill's role as a mother was an important part of her life and influenced her personal and professional life in many ways.

Personal Life: Merrill's children were a source of great joy and love in her life. She was a devoted mother and spent a great deal of time with her children. She also made sure to provide them with the best possible education and opportunities.

Professional Life: Merrill's children also had an impact on her professional life. She often took her children with her to work, and they were sometimes featured in her films and television shows. Merrill also used her platform as a celebrity to promote the importance of family and child welfare.

Legacy: Merrill's children are her legacy. They carry on her name and her values, and they are a testament to her love and devotion as a mother.

The connection between "Mother: Merrill had three children, two with Rumbough and one with Robertson." and "dina merril" is significant because it shows that Merrill was not only a successful actress, socialite, and philanthropist, but she was also a loving and devoted mother. Her children were an important part of her life, and they played a significant role in shaping the woman she became.

FAQs about Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill was a prominent American actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder. She was a member of the prominent Hutton family and was married to three wealthy and influential men.

Question 1: What was Dina Merrill's most famous role?

Answer: Merrill is best known for her roles in the films "The Sundowners" (1950), "Desk Set" (1957), and "Operation Petticoat" (1959).

Question 2: Who was Dina Merrill's first husband?

Answer: Merrill's first husband was Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr., a wealthy investment banker.

Question 3: How many children did Dina Merrill have?

Answer: Merrill had three children: two with Rumbough and one with her second husband, Cliff Robertson.

Question 4: What was Dina Merrill's involvement in philanthropy?

Answer: Merrill was a major philanthropist and supported many arts organizations, including the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Public Library, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Question 5: What was Dina Merrill's connection to horse breeding?

Answer: Merrill was a successful horse breeder and owned several racehorses that won major races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Question 6: What is Dina Merrill's legacy?

Answer: Merrill's legacy is one of glamour, philanthropy, and social activism. She was a prominent figure in New York society and used her wealth and influence to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dina Merrill was a complex and fascinating woman who left a lasting legacy on American society. She was a successful actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder, and she used her wealth and influence to make a difference in the world.

We hope these FAQs have provided you with a better understanding of Dina Merrill and her life. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your interest in Dina Merrill!

Dina Merrill

Dina Merrill was a complex and fascinating woman who left a lasting legacy on American society. She was a successful actress, socialite, philanthropist, and horse breeder, and she used her wealth and influence to make a difference in the world.

Merrill's life was one of glamour and privilege, but she was also a hard-working actress and a dedicated philanthropist. She was a generous supporter of the arts and education, and she made a significant contribution to New York society.

Merrill's legacy is one of service and giving back. She used her platform to make a difference in the lives of others, and she inspired others to do the same. She is a role model for all of us, and her story is one that should be told and retold for generations to come.