Mamie Van Doren Shared Photos from 92nd Birthday with Son & Husband for Whom She Stopped Her Career

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Mamie Van Doren, the iconic blonde beauty, turned 92 in 2023! Mamie knew from an early age that she was destined for the silver screen. And it didn't take long for her to find her feet in Hollywood. She stood out in films such as "Teacher's Pet" and "The Private Lives of Adam and Eve."

She became a gigantic hit, since she was unafraid to play interesting, sometimes less-than-innocent female roles. Her on-screen presence often brought her real attention from some of the more well-known men of the time, and Mamie had her fair share of unforgettable romances.

Portait of Mamie Van Doren, late 1950s | Source: Getty Images

The iconic actress has been married five times in her life and had one son with her second husband, Ray Anthony, bandleader of the Glen Miller Orchestra. After Ray, she married three times, but not before she had a few trysts. One of her favorites was Clark Gable, her co-star in "Teacher's Pet."

The actress mentioned she never liked overt and intrusive publicity, which meant Hollywood often got on her nerves.

Mamie Van Doren, 1960 | Source: Getty Images

Mamie also had a short fling with the iconic musician Frank Sinatra. She commented on the bad press he received, saying she saw the nicer, more generous side of him. She mentioned that Frank often did shows for charity, and she truly admired him.

Other names Mamie associated with were Johnny Carson and even the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley, for a short-lived romance. However, the actress admitted that although the men she was hanging out with were very impressive, Clark was always her biggest crush.

Mamie Van Doren, Thomas Dixon, and Perry Anthony on April 23, 1984 at The Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

By the time the 60s rolled around, Mamie was fading out of the public mind, but the blonde bombshell had one thing her contemporaries didn't — she would outlive the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Later, in 1979, Mamie settled down with Thomas Dixon, an actor and dentist.

Mamie Left Hollywood for Her Son and Husband: The Family Happily Celebrated Her 92 Years

When Mamie had her only son, Perry Anthony, in 1956, she still lived in Hollywood. However, the actress decided it was time to move after Perry was born. She cited the rampant substance abuse as one of the reasons she decided to get her son away from Sunset Boulevard. She said, "I didn't want my son to be around all that."

Mamie opened up about life after Hollywood, saying she much preferred the quiet, stable life she found when she moved away.

Perry Ray Anthony and Mamie Van Doren on 3 September | Source: Getty Images

Mamie also decided to move away from Hollywood to have more privacy. The actress mentioned she never liked overt and intrusive publicity, which meant Hollywood often got on her nerves. Her life in Newport Beach was much quieter and afforded her the privacy to enjoy her son's company in peace.

So, like "Love Story" star Ali MacGraw did, Mamie and Perry moved away from Hollywood to build a quiet life. A few years later, she met the man she spent the longest time with. Mamie married Thomas after moving to Newport, and the two have been together ever since. Most recently, Mamie posted a photo of her and Thomas in a restaurant.

Mamie Van Doren and Perry Ray Anthony, 1956 | Source: Getty Images

In the Facebook post, the happy couple can be seen grinning broadly while staring into each other's eyes. In the caption, Mamie commemorated their marriage of almost five decades, saying she couldn't believe he stuck with her for so long. She commented:

"Thomas my hubby of almost 50 years. How did he put up with me? Sometimes I wasn't the perfect wife."

After showing off her loving husband, Mamie took to Facebook once more to show her love to her son. She shared a picture of her sitting in a chair, with Perry peaking over her head with a happy smile.

The 92-year-old actress looked exceptional with her signature blonde hair. Perry smiled happily over her shoulder in a black cap.

"Life Doesn't Even Start until 40": Mamie Van Doren on Her Age and Private Life

Although moving away from Hollywood meant losing some of her friends, the actress admitted she never had that many to start with. She settled down with her son, who inspired a fascination with boats in her, and her lifestyle changed completely. When looking back on her life, Mamie laughed in awe:

"Can you imagine? I've been here almost a hundred years?!"

Mamie Van Doren on September 26, 1990 at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Mamie opened up about life after Hollywood, saying she much preferred the quiet, stable life she found when she moved away. When her blonde counterparts, Marilyn and Jayne, passed away, she realized Hollywood wasn't the place she would be living out her days.

Her life after Hollywood turned out to be much more enjoyable. Although she was always invited to a slew of parties, she rarely went. In Newport, she had the freedom of privacy and she didn't have to deal with the social intricacies of Tinseltown.

Mamie Van Doren at the Writers Guild Theater on May 3, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Mamie also offered her advice on growing old and keeping your youthful spirit. For Mamie, age shouldn't be a determining factor in how you live your life. She believes attitude is a much more influential element. She mused, "Forget about how old you are. Life doesn't even start until 40."

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