Mary Josephine Dunn's early life was marked by her convent education, which provided a solid foundation for her future endeavors. At the tender age of 15, she made her professional debut in the chorus line of the musical 'Good Morning, Dearie'. This initial foray into the world of show business was followed by a brief stint in the Ziegfeld Follies, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience.
In 1924, Dunn made her Broadway debut with a walk-on role in 'Dear Sir', a production that showcased her talent and versatility as a performer. Two years later, she was handpicked by a talent scout to attend the Paramount acting school, a prestigious institution that was renowned for its rigorous training program.
As a ravishing blue-eyed blonde, Dunn made a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Her breakthrough role came in 1926 with D.W. Griffith's 'The Sorrows of Satan', a film that cemented her status as a rising star. She went on to appear in a string of successful films, including 'Our Modern Maidens' in 1929 and 'One Hour with You' in 1932, an operetta directed by the acclaimed Ernst Lubitsch.
Dunn's most notable co-starring role was alongside the talented Carole Lombard in 'Safety in Numbers' in 1930. Although she was often relegated to third-billing, she consistently delivered strong performances that earned her good reviews and a loyal fan base.
By the early 1930s, Dunn's career began to slow, and she found herself typecast in roles as vamps and mercenary wives. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to regain her former momentum, and by 1938, she had all but retired from the screen. However, she continued to make sporadic appearances in summer stock productions throughout the 1940s, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and beautiful performer.
