Margaret Dawn Richard, a stunning brunette with a fiery mane, made her grand entrance into the world on March 5, 1936, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, her ancestry deeply entrenched in the rich cultural heritage of the Osage Indian tribe. Her father, a daring and fearless silent movie stunt pilot, left an indelible mark on her life, his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit evident in the five opulent motels he built in the picturesque desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, where the family ultimately settled, their lives forever intertwined with the golden sands and star-studded nights of the Coachella Valley.
Dawn's initial and formative fascination with the realm of performing arts was strikingly evident in her high school stage production of the ageless and treasured musical comedy, "Meet Me in St. Louis", a captivating and enchanting tale that served as a platform to showcase her burgeoning talent and innate aptitude for the craft, foreshadowing a promising and illustrious career in the world of entertainment.
Notable among the numerous standout performances throughout her remarkable career was her unforgettable depiction of Theresa, a woefully doomed and heart-wrenchingly tragic gymnast, in the cult classic horror film, I Was a Teenage Werewolf, which initially premiered in the year 1957 and has since evolved into a cherished and enduring mainstay of the horror genre, captivating audiences with its haunting and timeless allure.
Notable television personality, renowned for her impressive array of performances across numerous small-screen productions, notably showcased her remarkable skill and adaptability by embracing a diverse spectrum of characters within various television shows, including episodes of the iconic and culturally significant family drama, Father Knows Best, which first aired in 1954 and was celebrated for its authentic and didactic representation of American family values.
She made notable appearances in episodes of the prestigious and enduring crime drama, Perry Mason, which was a cornerstone of American television programming from 1957 to 1966, and was renowned for its ingenious and intricate storylines as well as its iconic and memorable characters.
Notably, she seized the chance to demonstrate her thespian abilities in various installments of the acclaimed western television series, Colt.45, which enjoyed a successful run from 1957 to 1960, earning a reputation for its unflinching and authentic depiction of the American frontier.
Noted actress made a significant impression on audiences by showcasing her remarkable versatility, effortlessly transitioning between diverse character roles and cinematic genres, as evident in her guest appearances on the pioneering and highly acclaimed police procedural drama, Dragnet, which debuted in 1951 and gained widespread recognition for its groundbreaking and unflinching portrayal of law enforcement, offering a refreshingly realistic and gritty depiction of the profession that captivated viewers and left a lasting impact on the television landscape.
A celebrated thespian, renowned for her remarkable aptitude and boundless adaptability, has garnered widespread admiration and esteem within the realm of show business, her plethora of iconic portrayals persistently captivating and regaling spectators to the present day.
Beyond her remarkable and illustrious career in acting and television, Richard's exceptional talents and versatility as a performer were further exemplified and solidified as she achieved the distinguished honor of being named a Playboy Playmate of the Month in the renowned and highly respected May 1957 issue of the prestigious Playboy magazine.
Richard, a celebrated and accomplished individual, embarked on a momentous personal journey in the year 1958, marking a pivotal moment in her life as she exchanged vows with the esteemed and respected film producer, David L. Wolper. This union, which would ultimately span a decade, brought with it a deep sense of love, companionship, and partnership, as well as the joy of raising three children together. Despite the challenges and tribulations that inevitably arise in any long-term relationship, Richard and David's bond remained strong, with their love for one another serving as a constant source of inspiration and support. However, as the years passed, the couple's journey together eventually came to a close with a divorce in 1969, marking the end of an important chapter in Richard's life.
