Mary Dawne Arden was a talented American actress who enjoyed a successful career in both Hollywood and Italy, spanning multiple decades.
Born on July 30, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, Arden moved to New York City at the age of 12 to pursue her passion for art at a prestigious school.
As a young woman, she embarked on a successful modeling career in Europe, appearing in numerous Italian movies during the 1960s. It is essential to note that she should not be confused with Mary Arden, who worked in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, but professionally went by a different name.
One of Arden's most notable roles was as model Peggy Peyton in Mario Bava's 1964 film, Blood and Black Lace. Moreover, she took on an additional responsibility by writing the English dialogue for the film, as she felt the original translated screenplay was too stilted. Arden also made an uncredited cameo appearance in Federico Fellini's 1965 film, Juliet of the Spirits, as an on-screen TV personality.
During the 1960s, Arden worked in the United States as a member of the June Taylor Dancers, appearing on the televised Jackie Gleason show. In Italy, she also appeared in photo novels, including the popular series, Kriminal.
After living and working in Italy for eight years, Arden returned to the United States in 1979 and performed in only a couple of more roles before retiring from the cinema.
For the next nine years, Arden resided in Latin America, where she held marketing and managing positions for Helena Rubinstein Cosmetics. Upon her return to New York City, she established her own marketing and body language consulting practice, Arden Associates.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Arden also served as a faculty member at New York University, in the Department of Culture and Communication, teaching business communication.
Arden married A.A. Hansi in Rome in 1965 and spent the remainder of her life enjoying a fulfilling personal and professional career.
Tragically, Arden passed away on December 13, 2014, at the age of 81, at Calvary Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
