Dorris Bowdon

Dorris Bowdon
As Rosasharn inThe Grapes of Wrath(1940)
Born	(1914-12-27)December 27, 1914 Coldwater, Mississippi,U.S.
Died	August 9, 2005(2005-08-09)(aged 90) Los Angeles, California,U.S.
Occupation	Film actress
Years active	1938–1943
Spouse	Nunnally Johnson ​ ​ (m.1939; died 1977)​
Children	3

Dorris Estelle Bowdon(December 27, 1914 – August 9, 2005) was an American actress, best known for her role asRosasharninThe Grapes of Wrath

Early life

Dorris Estelle Bowdon was born on December 27, 1914, inColdwater, Mississippi,one of seven children of Lillian and James Bowdon. She attendedLouisiana State University.

Career

Bowdon was an actress in the 1930s and 1940s. When she was 20 years old, talent scout Ivan Kahn found her inMemphis, Tennessee,and brought her toHollywood,California, for a screen test with20th Century Fox.She "didn't fare so well" in her first test, so she was given another try.

Personal life

She was married toNunnally Johnsonfrom 1939 until his death in 1977, and they had three children together, the first of whom was born in 1942, which prematurely ended Bowden's acting career. They resided in a mansion located at 625 Mountain Drive inBeverly Hills, California.It was designed by architectPaul R. Williamsand built from 1937 to 1938 by O' Neal and Son.ActorJack Johnsonis her grandson.

Death

Bowdon died inLos Angelesat the age of 90 of a stroke and heart failure. She was cremated and a portion of her ashes were scattered at sea and another portion interred with her husbandNunnally JohnsoninWestwood Village Memorial Park CemeteryinLos Angeles.

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1938	Always Goodbye	Minor Role	Uncredited
1938	Down on the Farm	Tessie Moody
1939	Young Mr. Lincoln	Carrie Sue	Uncredited
1939	Drums Along the Mohawk	Mary Reall
1940	The Grapes of Wrath	Rose of Sharon
1940	Jennie	Lottie Schermer
1943	The Moon Is Down	Molly Morden	(final film role)

External links

• Dorris BowdonatIMDb
• Dorris BowdonatAllMovie