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Dina Merrill quintessential actress, heiress-died on May 22, 2017, peacefully in her East Hampton, New York home, at the age of 93 years, leaving an unparalleled legacy of elegance, talent, and philanthropy. She was known for starring in a series of classic films including Catch Me If You Can. Indeed, Merrill’s passing marked the end of an era in Hollywood.
Her son, Stanley H. Rumbough, made the sad announcement of her passing away. The immediate cause of death was not mentioned at the time of death, but it was revealed later that Merrill had been suffering from Lewy Body dementia-a debilitating condition affecting memory, movement, and cognitive function. The diagnosis had added a grim note to the life of a woman who had brought so much grace and vibrancy to her roles on screen and her endeavors off-screen.
But Dina Merrill was more than just an actress; she was a socialite and philanthropist born to one of America’s wealthiest families. Born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton on December 29, 1923, to financier E.F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post, Merrill seemed to do most everything right during her acting days. Her poise and sophistication brought her through in films and in television for many years.
Beyond her acting career, Merrill was deeply involved in charitable work, using her wealth and influence to support causes she was passionate about. Her life was a testament to her belief in giving back, even as she navigated the complexities of fame and fortune.
The death of Merrill is not a loss to the film industry alone but also to all those who admired her for her dedication, charm, and generosity. The contribution she made to Hollywood and her philanthropy will be remembered for years to come and make her an eternal role model.
Dina Merrill’s Wiki
Nedenia Marjorie Hutton, famously known as Dina Merrill, was born on December 29, 1923, in New York City. She was the only child of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post Cereals empire, and Edward Francis Hutton, a prominent Wall Street stockbroker. Dina’s upbringing was steeped in wealth and privilege, shaped by her family’s influential legacy.
Marjorie Merriweather Post was previously married to Edward Bennett Close, with whom she had two daughters, namely Adelaide Breevort (Close) Hutton and Eleanor Post (Close) Hutton, making them Dina’s half sisters.
Dina attended George Washington University for a brief period but then dropped out after one semester to pursue her interest in acting. She went on to join the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she learned the art and started a never-ending career. With her grace, elegance, and talent, Dina became a well-known actress, performing in many films, television shows, and theatricals.
In April 2005, she was bestowed a lifetime achievement honor from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for her work in the arts. Dina Merrill’s legacy speaks to her dedication to her craft and the ability to forge her own path outside the weight of her family’s illustrious background.
Dina Merrill’s Net Worth
The actress took her step-sister’s then-husband’s advice and adopted the stage name Dina Merrill. In 1945, she made her debut on stage in the play, The Mermaid Singing. Throughout her career as an actress, Dina worked on several films such as Desk Set, Don’t Give Up the Ship, The Young Savages, I’ll Take Sweden, True Colors, and Shade.
Dina is also known for TV movies like The Lonely Profession, Family Flight, and The Tenth Month. She even had appearances in shows like Murder She Wrote, The Nanny, Vengeance Unlimited, and The Love Boat.
Her father did not approve of her dreams to become an actress. In a 1979 interview, Dina revealed, “It never occurred to me to ask my father or mother to pay for something they didn’t believe in. My ambitions were my own — not exactly the ones they had for me.”
Dina Merrill ’s net worth is estimated to be $5.0 billion at the time of her death.
Dina Merrill Comes from a Strong and Wealthy Background
In 1914, Marjorie Merriweather Post inherited $250.0 million and at one point in time, she was the richest woman in the United States.
Post built a house, famously known as Mar-a-Lago, the construction of which started in 1924 and ended in 1927. The house has 58 bedrooms and 33 bathrooms. In 1985, Donald Trump purchased the house for $8.0 million.
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Dina Merrill’s Husband and Children
Dina Merrill was married three times. In 1946, she got married to the heir of the Colgate-Palmolive toothpaste fortune and entrepreneur, Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr. The couple had three children together but parted ways in 1966.
Later that year, Dina married Oscar-winning actor, Cliff Robertson, with whom she had one daughter. The couple got divorced in 1989, which is the same year Dina married former actor, Ted Hartley. Dina Merrill is survived by her daughter, Nedenia Colgate Rumbough, and son, Stanley Rumbough III.
