Dorothy Appleby was a celebrated American film actress, whose life began on January 6, 1906, and ultimately came to a close on August 9, 1990.
Appleby's early foray into the world of acting commenced with a stint as an understudy and chorus member in various stage productions in the vibrant city of New York, providing her with a wealth of valuable experience and a solid foundation to build upon her craft.
This pivotal moment in her career was preceded by a significant event, as she had previously won a prestigious beauty contest held in the state of Maine, which marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry, ultimately leading her to the bright lights and bustling streets of New York City.
New York City, with its rich cultural landscape and diverse array of artistic endeavors, served as the perfect backdrop for Appleby to hone her skills, take risks, and navigate the challenges of the competitive entertainment industry, laying the groundwork for her future successes.
The petite stature of Appleby, measuring a mere 5 feet in height, frequently posed a significant obstacle for her in securing major roles in prominent films, a reality that was particularly pronounced in her early years in the industry.
Her early leading men, a notable example being the renowned comedian Charley Chase, stood tall, often by a considerable margin, which further complicated matters for Appleby, making it a daunting task for her to convincingly portray the image of a leading lady.
Notwithstanding the initial struggles, Appleby eventually secured a steady stream of employment within the realm of Columbia Pictures' two-reel comedies, frequently sharing the screen with The Three Stooges, who, although slightly taller, still stood in stark contrast to her diminutive stature. As the year 1940 approached, Appleby's career received a significant boost when she was chosen as the leading lady of none other than the legendary Buster Keaton, whose own height mirrored hers, thus facilitating a unique on-screen chemistry. Her collaborations with other prominent comedians of the era, including Andy Clyde, El Brendel, and Hugh Herbert, further solidified her position within the industry.
Notable among her extensive repertoire of comedic masterpieces are a trio of Stooge classics, specifically "Loco Boy Makes Good", "So Long Mr. Chumps", and the delightfully titled "In the Sweet Pie and Pie". However, it is perhaps her iconic portrayal of the Mexican brunette Rosita in the 1940 film "Cookoo Cavaliers" that truly showcases her enduring talent and enduring appeal.
Appleby's diminutive stature was deceptive, as she astonishingly managed to maintain a youthful appearance well into her 30s, thereby continuing to secure roles that were typically reserved for actresses much younger than herself throughout the 1940s. One of her final cinematic appearances was a brief, yet memorable, cameo as a college co-ed, a character whose age was 20 years her junior, in the 1941 Jane Withers feature film Small Town Deb.
Renowned for her impressive versatility, Appleby has consistently showcased her remarkable capacity for adaptability, effortlessly transitioning between diverse genres and roles, thereby cementing her reputation as a true cinematic trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film that will be cherished for generations to come.
