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Golden Age of Hollywood Icon Caren Marsh Doll Celebrates 106th Birthday
The era of Hollywood’s Golden Age is fading as its legendary performers pass away, with luminaries such as Kirk Douglas and Olivia de Havilland departing in recent years. However, a beacon of this celebrated period remains: Caren Marsh Doll, the oldest living actress from classic Tinseltown, marking her 106th birthday today. This remarkable centenarian is notably the last surviving actress with roles in both the 1939 cinematic masterpieces, Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.
Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings
Born on April 6, 1919, in Los Angeles, California, just a year after the conclusion of World War I, Caren Marsh Doll’s destiny seemed intertwined with the burgeoning film industry of her hometown. After graduating from Hollywood High School in 1937, she pursued her ambitions to become a performer on stage and screen, setting her sights on a career in entertainment.
The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind
Just a year later, her aspirations materialized when she achieved her breakthrough role as Judy Garland’s stand-in for the iconic film The Wizard of Oz. This pivotal opportunity even included receiving her own pair of the famed ruby slippers. Although her contribution to The Wizard of Oz was uncredited, Marsh is visibly present in a memorable sequence. It was her feet that were filmed during the iconic moment when Dorothy clicks her ruby slippers together, uttering the famous line, “There’s no place like home.”
Concurrent with her work on The Wizard of Oz, Marsh was also involved in another cinematic giant, Gone with the Wind, at Selznick International Pictures. Serving as a background extra, the then-young actress had minor parts in this historical epic. She appeared as a BBQ Guest during the elaborate Twelve Oaks barbecue scene and as a Girl at Bazaar in the Atlanta charity bazaar sequence, contributing to two distinct moments in the celebrated film.
Career Progression and Setback
Continuing her association with Judy Garland, Marsh once more acted as her stand-in for Ziegfeld Girl two years later. Subsequently, she garnered more substantial roles in various motion pictures during World War II, and her career expanded into dance. In 1947, she received the title of Miss Sky Lady, participating in an air show and undertaking flight instruction. However, in 1949, her ascending trajectory faced a severe interruption. On July 12, at the age of 30, Marsh was aboard a flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Burbank, California, when disaster struck.
Survival and Resilience
During the approach to landing, the twin-engine aircraft descended too rapidly, causing the right wingtip to collide with a hillside before the plane crashed in Chatsworth, California. Tragically, many perished, but Marsh was among the thirteen survivors out of the 48 passengers and crew. She endured weeks of hospitalization and narrowly avoided amputation of her left foot due to the severity of her injuries.
Triumph Over Adversity and Legacy
Despite doctors’ predictions that she would likely never dance again, the resilient actress defied expectations, making a remarkable return to her performing career. Later, she transitioned into instruction, sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers. Currently residing in Palm Springs, Marsh volunteers as a dance therapy instructor at the local Stroke Activity Center every Monday, demonstrating her enduring passion and commitment to helping others. Caren Marsh Doll’s life story stands as a testament to perseverance and a lasting link to Hollywood’s illustrious past.