Liz Renay

Liz Renay

Deceased · Born: Apr 14, 1926 · Died: Jan 22, 2007

Personal Details

BornApr 14, 1926 Chandler, Arizona, USA
Spouse
  • Gerald Heidebrink

    ( Nov 3, 1976 to Apr 12, 1983 )
  • Thomas Freeman

    ( May 23, 1966 to Dec 1, 2025 )
  • Read Morgan

    ( Nov 25, 1963 to Dec 31, 1969 )
  • Paul Wayne McLain

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 1, 2025 )
  • Ricky Romano

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )
Parents
  • Ada May Dobbins nee Phillips
  • William Andrew Dobbins
Relatives
  • Evelyn Louise Dobbins (Sibling)

Biography

Liz Renay's life was a true tale of drama, intrigue, and unapologetic flair, unfolding like a cinematic epic. Born into a family steeped in fervent religiosity, she defied convention by fleeing her home to pursue a dream, entering a Marilyn Monroe lookalike contest with unwavering determination.

As the war raged on, she traded her innocence for the glitz of show business, becoming a sizzling showgirl during World War II. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she became entangled with Los Angeles gangster Mickey Cohen, serving as his "moll" in a tumultuous relationship.

When Cohen's criminal empire was brought crashing down, Renay refused to cooperate with the authorities, opting instead to face the music, and was subsequently sentenced to three years in Terminal Island prison. During her incarceration, she penned her autobiography, a testament to her unyielding spirit.

Upon her release, Renay transformed into a stripper and self-publicist, shattering convention with her daring performances, including the first-ever mother-and-daughter strip and the first grandmother to streak down Hollywood Boulevard, leaving a trail of controversy and notoriety in her wake.

Career

2004
Mark of the Astro-Zombies
Mark of the Astro-Zombies as Crystal Collins
1998
1981
Lady Street Fighter
Lady Street Fighter as Nightclub Stripper
1977
Desperate Living
Desperate Living as Muffy St. Jacques
1975
Peeper
Peeper as Stripper
1973
Blackenstein
Blackenstein as Couple in Bedl
1972
1970
The Hard Road
The Hard Road as Mrs. Banner
1969
The Divorcee
The Divorcee as Sally Dayne
Body Fever
Body Fever as Blonde at Party (uncredited)
1968
A Time to Sing
A Time to Sing as Bar Girl
1967
1965
Deadwood '76
Deadwood '76 as Poker Kate (as Melissa Morgan)
Day of the Nightmare
Day of the Nightmare as Laura Sisterman (uncredited)
1964
The Nasty Rabbit
The Nasty Rabbit as Cecelia Solomon
1959
Date with Death
Date with Death as Paula Warren
1958
The Naked and the Dead
The Naked and the Dead as B-Girl (uncredited)