Arlene Dahl, a paragon of elegance and femininity, is widely regarded as one of the most stunning actresses to have graced the silver screen during the post-war era. Her captivating beauty and remarkable talent for utilizing it to her advantage allowed her to transition seamlessly from bit parts to character roles, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Born in Minneapolis to Norwegian parents, Miss Dahl's early life was marked by a passion for the performing arts. She joined a local drama group after completing high school and supplemented her income by modeling for various department stores. In 1946, she made the bold decision to relocate to Hollywood, where she signed a brief contract with Warner Brothers before eventually finding her footing at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
The Bride Goes Wild (1948),a quirky but charming romantic comedy starring Van Johnson and June Allyson, marked Dahl's first collaboration with the esteemed studio. Although her beauty undoubtedly played a significant role in her success, it also limited her to smaller roles, and her impact at MGM was relatively modest. Nevertheless, she made notable appearances in a range of films, including Reign of Terror (1949),Three Little Words (1950),Woman's World (1954),Slightly Scarlet (1956),and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959).
After leaving the film industry in 1959, Dahl's typecasting proved to be a lucrative venture as she transitioned into a successful career as a beauty columnist and writer. She later established herself as a shrewd businesswoman, founding Arlene Dahl Enterprises, which marketed lingerie and cosmetics.
Throughout her life, Dahl was married six times, including to two actors, Lex Barker and Fernando Lamas. She is the proud mother of actor and action star Lorenzo Lamas and made a memorable guest appearance in his film Night of the Warrior (1991).
