Doris Davenport, whose stage name was also Doris Jordan, was an illustrious American film actress who, during the 1930s and early 1940s, left a lasting impression on audiences with her outstanding abilities, showcasing her exceptional talent in various cinematic endeavors.
Born on January 1, 1917, in the charming city of Moline, Illinois, a place that would later shape the early years of a remarkable individual, Davenport embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead her to the iconic city of Hollywood, California, where the allure of the silver screen beckoned, and it was here that she would discover her true calling, her passion for acting, a pursuit that would define her life's work and cement her status as a legendary figure in the world of entertainment.
Davenport, a talented individual with aspirations of achieving stardom, embarked on a journey to secure roles in the film industry. Her cinematic debut arrived in 1934 with the movie Kids Millions, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of filmmaking.
Over the subsequent five-year period, Davenport's screen presence was limited to a mere five films, necessitating her to supplement her income by pursuing a career in fashion modeling in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Marlene Davenport's professional breakthrough occurred in 1939 when she courageously auditioned for the pivotal role of Scarlett O'Hara in the legendary film Gone with the Wind, utilizing the screen name "Doris Jordan". Despite not ultimately landing the part, which was instead bestowed upon Vivien Leigh, Davenport's remarkable acting prowess nonetheless garnered the attention of a prominent MGM executive, namely Samuel Goldwyn.
In the year 1940, the renowned film producer Samuel Goldwyn extended a prestigious offer to the talented actress, Davenport, to portray a leading character in the cinematic masterpiece, The Westerner, which boasted an impressive cast featuring the iconic Gary Cooper and the accomplished Walter Brennan.
Concurrently, Davenport also had the opportunity to showcase her exceptional acting skills in the film Behind the News, opposite the esteemed Lloyd Nolan, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career, albeit ultimately serving as her final on-screen performance.
Notwithstanding her remarkable on-screen appearances, Davenport struggled to secure subsequent film roles, ultimately leading to her decision to retire from the acting profession. Subsequently, she relocated to the picturesque coastal town of Santa Cruz, California, where she spent the remainder of her life, until her passing on June 18, 1980, at the age of 63.
