Dorothy Dickson (July 25, 1893 - September 25, 1995) was an American-born, London-based theater actress and singer, and a centenarian.[1]
Dickson is known mostly for her rendition of the Jerome Kern song "Look for the Silver Lining". She was also a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and made many appearances in New York and abroad. In 1922, she starred in The Cabaret Girl. In 1936, she co-starred with Ivor Novello in his Careless Rapture and, in 1937, in his Crest of the Wave.
Dickson starred in a few silent films, including Eastward Ho! (1919) and Paying the Piper (1921).
During her early days on the London stage, Dickson was introduced to (as well as centenarian) Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later the Queen Mother. The two became close friends and their friendship lasted until Dickson's death at age 102. Her daughter was the actress Dorothy Hyson, who was married to Sir Anthony Quayle.
During the Second World War she was involved in organising the London version of Stage Door Canteen.
In 2006, Angus McBean's photograph of Dorothy Dickson was used on the poster for an exhibition of his photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, London, as well as on the cover of the accompanying book.[2]