Dani Crayne

Dani Crayne

90 · Born: Dec 25, 1934

Personal Details

BornDec 25, 1934 Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Spouse
  • Hal Needham

    ( Jun 29, 1981 to Aug 1, 1987 )
  • David Janssen

    ( Oct 4, 1975 to Feb 13, 1980 )
  • Buddy Greco

    ( Jun 18, 1961 to Apr 1, 1974 )
  • Donalde Crayne

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )

Biography

Darlyne Danielle Swanson, a captivating and striking individual with a mesmerizing presence, is distinguished by her piercing green eyes and a husky voice that commands attention. Born in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, her early life was marked by a significant relocation to California when she was just five years old. This pivotal move would shape her formative years, as she grew and flourished in the Golden State. Her educational journey began in California, where she attended school and laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits. Subsequently, she enrolled at the esteemed University of California in Berkeley, a prestigious institution that would provide her with a world-class education and a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

At a remarkably young age of sixteen, Swanson embarked on a significant life milestone by entering into a marital union with a Frenchman by the name of Donalde Crayne, a decision that would ultimately conclude in divorce after a period of four years. Despite this setback, she remained steadfast in her determination to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and thus, devoted herself to acquiring a comprehensive range of skills, including dance, voice, and acting techniques. Her unwavering dedication and perseverance eventually yielded a noteworthy accomplishment, as she succeeded in securing a position as a mambo instructor at a prestigious Hollywood dance academy, a testament to her exceptional talent and unrelenting passion for the performing arts.

Margaret Swanson, a talented individual, embarked on a teaching career, unaware that her life was about to take a dramatic turn. As fate would have it, a Universal Studios talent scout chanced upon her and was impressed by her unique qualities, leading to a one-year contract being signed. Despite receiving an abundance of publicity, Swanson's film career, unfortunately, failed to reach the expected heights. Her contract was not renewed in 1956, marking the end of her stint with Universal Studios. Undeterred, she went on to pursue other opportunities, eventually making a couple of films at Warner Brothers. One of these films, Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend, released in 1957, showcased her acting prowess as she took on the role of a racketeer's girlfriend, adding to her growing filmography.

Swanson's subsequent significant role was that of Helen of Troy in the lavishly produced yet severely criticized cinematic endeavor, The Story of Mankind, released in 1957. This film, which was deemed a "disconnected, clichéd pageant" by critics, marked a notable departure from Swanson's earlier work.

In the early years of the 1960s, actress Lauren Swanson embarked on a romantic journey, marrying renowned singer Buddy Greco after being captivated by his captivating stage presence at a prominent Chicago nightclub.

The couple's union endured for approximately a decade before ultimately dissolving in 1974, following which Swanson entered into a new marital partnership with the charismatic television star, David Janssen.

As a token of his affection, Janssen presented Swanson with a luxurious 1979 Rolls-Royce Corniche, a symbol of his deep devotion and admiration for her.

Tragically, Janssen's life was cut short in 1980, leaving Swanson a bereaved widow for a brief yet poignant period, as she navigated the challenges of grief and loss.

Swanson's fourth and final union was with the multifaceted talent of Hal Needham, a renowned actor, director, and stuntman, whom she wed in the year 1981 and subsequently divorced in 1987. Following the dissolution of her marriage, Swanson evolved into a celebrated hostess in the esteemed community of Beverly Hills, distinguished for her extravagantly lavish soirees on the night of the Oscars. With her shrewd business acumen, she made wise investments, thereby securing a life of unparalleled opulence, one that did not require her to engage in gainful employment.

Career

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2005
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1986
Body Slam
Body Slam as Bitsy Vandervagen
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1978
Standing Tall
Standing Tall as Ginny Tarver
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1957
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The Story of Mankind
The Story of Mankind as Helen of Troy
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1956
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The Unguarded Moment
The Unguarded Moment as Josie Warren
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Walk the Proud Land
Walk the Proud Land as Bit Part (uncredited)
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1955
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2000
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1955