Thais Alalia Dickerson, later known as Gloria Dickson, was born on August 13, 1917, in Pocotello, Idaho, to a family that would soon face a significant loss. Following the untimely death of her father, Gloria's mother made the difficult decision to relocate the family to California in search of a better life.
As a teenager, Gloria discovered her passion for acting while participating in local theater productions during her high school years. Her talent did not go unnoticed, as a Warner Brothers talent scout happened to be in the audience during one of her performances, ultimately leading to her being offered a contract.
Gloria's film debut came in 1937 with the leading role in They Won't Forget, a performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim and a reputation as the "luckiest girl in Hollywood." This early success was followed by notable roles in Gold Diggers in Paris (1938),They Made Me a Criminal (1939),and I Want a Divorce (1940).
In 1938, Gloria married makeup artist Perc Westmore, who encouraged her to undergo a nose job in an effort to enhance her glamorous image. However, their marriage ultimately ended in divorce, and Gloria went on to marry director Ralph Murphy in 1941. Unfortunately, their union was short-lived, lasting only two years due to Ralph's infidelity.
By 1944, Gloria's career had stalled, and she found herself struggling with weight issues, a severe alcohol problem, and unemployment. She remarried, this time to former boxer William Fitzgerald, and the couple settled into a house in West Hollywood.
Tragedy struck on April 10, 1945, when a fire ravaged the house, claiming Gloria's life. The 27-year-old actress was found unconscious in a bathroom, suffering from second-degree burns and asphyxiation. Her untimely death served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
Gloria Dickson's legacy lives on, and she is buried at Hollywood Forever cemetery, where her tombstone bears the name "Thais A. Dickerson, My Baby."
