Dorothy McGuire's remarkable career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry. Despite her talent and dedication, she was surprisingly overlooked in the awards department. McGuire's quiet, passive beauty and soothing voice made her a natural in sentimental dramas, often leaving audiences tearful. She preferred to rest on her acting laurels rather than engage in publicity to secure roles.
Born on June 14th, 1916, in Omaha, Nebraska, McGuire began her acting career early, making her debut as a teenager in "A Kiss for Cinderella" at the Omaha Community Playhouse. She went on to understudy the role of Emily Gibb in Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" on Broadway, eventually replacing the original actress.
McGuire's breakthrough role came in 1941 with "Claudia," a gentle comedy that became a Broadway hit. This led to a film contract with 20th Century-Fox, where she recreated her stage triumph opposite Robert Young. Her subsequent films, including "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (1945),"The Enchanted Cottage" (1945),and "The Spiral Staircase" (1946),showcased her remarkable range and depth as an actress.
In the 1950s, McGuire continued to excel in films like "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947),for which she received a Best Actress nomination. She also returned to the stage, performing in productions such as "Tonight at 8:30" (1947) and "Summer and Smoke" (1950).
The 1960s saw McGuire moving into pillar-of-strength mother roles, making memorable appearances in films like "Friendly Persuasion" (1956),"Old Yeller" (1957),and "Swiss Family Robinson" (1960). Her later work included a range of films, including "A Summer Place" (1959),"The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965),and "Flight of the Doves" (1971).
In her later years, McGuire found success on television, earning an Emmy nomination for her work in the mini-series "Rich Man, Poor Man" (1976). She also appeared in several TV movies, including "The Last Best Year" (1990),which marked her final acting role.
McGuire was married to photographer John Swope from 1938 until his death in 1979. The couple had two children, Mark and Topo, both of whom followed in their mother's footsteps in the arts. McGuire passed away on September 13th, 2001, at the age of 85, due to heart failure.
