Dawn Wildsmith, a talented individual, came into this world in Carmel, California, and was nurtured by a free-spirited father who was the proud owner of the prestigious Gallery St. Denis art gallery. This unique upbringing played a significant role in shaping her artistic inclinations from a very tender age. By the time she reached the tender age of 12, she had already made a name for herself in the art world by selling her very first painting.
As the 1980s dawned, Dawn began to explore the world of commercial and print work, eventually crossing paths with an up-and-coming American B-movie director by the name of Fred Olen Ray. The two lovebirds tied the knot, and their union gave birth to not one but two companies, Savage Films and A.I.R. During this period, Dawn found herself appearing in numerous productions under the company's banner, which primarily focused on horror, action, and science fiction films, a span that stretched from 1984 to 1990.
Dawn's multifaceted acting career was characterized by a diverse range of roles, showcasing her remarkable versatility as an actress. She effortlessly transitioned between playing strong, assertive heroines, cunning, calculating villainesses, and even vulnerable, hapless victims. Her extensive filmography includes a plethora of cult classics that have garnered a devoted following over the years. Notable mentions include the action-packed Surf Nazis Must Die, the horror-tinged Evil Spawn, the over-the-top Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, and the action-adventure Warlords. One of her most notable performances was in Surf Nazis Must Die, which earned her a prestigious "Guilty Pleasure" Award at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival.
Noted character Dawn, in addition to her multifaceted talents, was also responsible for crafting the makeup for the iconic and cult-classic film "Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers", specifically for the body of actress Linnea Quigley, whose performance in the film has become an enduring symbol of the genre.
Furthermore, Dawn's impressive body of work did not go unnoticed, as she received a prestigious "Drive In Academy Award" nomination for her captivating portrayal in the film "Warlords". Moreover, she was distinguished as "Most Working Actress" in the esteemed publication Variety magazine, a testament to her remarkable dedication to her craft.
In a crowning achievement, Dawn was hailed as "Queen of the B's" by the renowned and influential Playboy Magazine, a title that solidifies her status as a trailblazing figure in the world of film and entertainment.
Notwithstanding her notable achievements in the realm of B-movies, Dawn made the unexpected decision to abruptly depart the industry in the early 1990s, marking a significant hiatus from the world of film that has persisted to this very day.
Her final credited appearance on the big screen was in the 1995 film Jack-O, which, interestingly, comprised recycled footage that had been shot in the late 1980s, giving audiences a glimpse into her earlier work.
As of 2001, Dawn was residing in the picturesque town of Ashland, Oregon, where she pursued her passion for surrealist art, traveling extensively across the country to showcase her unique and thought-provoking creations to a wider audience.
