Dina Merrill, actress and longtime O'Neill Center supporter, dies at 93
Dina Merrill, the rebellious heiress who defied her wealthy parents to become an actress, often portraying stylish wives or “the other woman,” has died. She was 93.
Merrill died Monday, according to a family spokeswoman. Her son, Stanley H. Rumbough, told the New York Times that she suffered from Lewy Body dementia.
With the help of Katharine Hepburn, who recommended her for the 1957 comedy “The Desk Set,” Merrill was a popular star for years. Her films included “Operation Petticoat,” “The Sundowners” and Robert Altman's Hollywood satire “The Player.”
She was also a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of the arts.
Merrill was a longtime supporter of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, and she served on the center's Board of Trustees for 37 years. The O'Neill named one of its theater spaces The Dina Merrill Theater in her honor.
Preston Whiteway, the O'Neill's executive director, said Tuesday, “Dina Merrill was a first-rate artist and lent her talents to so many. The O'Neill, a fledgling organization when she became involved as a trustee, soared with her support and commitment to new work and artists. She was selfless in ensuring the O'Neill would have the support from a broad national coalition to thrive. Quite simply, the O'Neill would not be here today without her quiet and consistent leadership. In 1998, we named the O'Neill's largest performance space in her honor, and important new work is born there every day of the year. The new work and artists created in the Dina Merrill Theater is a lasting legacy, and one that will outlive us all.”