Actress fills time with performance, laughter
She impersonates Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Betty White.
She has appeared in scores of locally produced shows, movies, documentaries and commercials.
Her latest project is putting together a USOlike production on Nov. 8 at the Veterans Center in Norman.
At 67, Dorothy “Dot” Liles sings, dances, acts and tells jokes — all with a keen sense of jocularity and purpose.
She never looks back, either.
“My point of view is that laughter is important for living a long, healthy life,” said Liles, of Oklahoma City.
“Who says after retirement there is nothing left to do?” Liles stressed. “Actually, there are still lots of career opportunities and volunteer work that can keep you even busier than when you had a full-time job!”
Liles retired in 2009 from Ultimate Drilling Co., where she was human resources manager. The firm has since gone out of business; she has done various contract work in the entertainment field for necessary funds.
Liles has helped raise three sons, two of whom are twins. They are 45 and 39.
Now, she has the time and talent to be what she has always loved: an entertainer primarily paid for her craft.
These days, she fills her life with the arts and shares them with others.
When Liles first started, though, she performed at free senior citizen venues, such as The Salvation Amy and Alzheimer’s Association.
She found that fulfilling, as it “brought smiles to so many people.”
Stepping into the spotlight
Liles tried out and became a member of the Oklahoma Senior Cabaret. She performed as Marilyn Monroe in their first show.
She did benefits for Cystic Fibrosis, the Alzheimer’s Association and “Bikers against Child Abuse.”
Eventually, she signed up for paying gigs with Magna Talent at the request of John Ferguson, also known locally as “Count Gregore.” She began appearing on Channel 43 shows with the Count.
Then, she got a role in the Senior Follies.
In early 2017, Liles, earned a role as “Cinderella” in a production number involving “Disney Princesses at the Enchanted Retirement Home.”
Among other events, she also has been involved in Fourth of July shows at the Veterans Center in Norman. The next show there is Nov. 8.
“A group of us from various venues — the Cameo Club, Will Rogers ‘A Class Act,’ ‘Not Just Country Line Dancers,’ and ‘Impersonators’ — are doing this USO show.”
USO stands for United Service Organizations. Starting in World War II, top-notch entertainers performed shows for military personnel at various bases in the United States and around the world.
Developing her roles
Liles first became interested in the arts as a child.
“As early as I can remember, I wanted to entertain. I did get to take piano lessons and took a few voice lessons as a youngster. Performing at recitals was fun,” she recalled.
“I would organize neighborhood shows. I directed a play, sold tickets and made popcorn for the event! I also organized a talent show and a trampoline contest.
She also took speech and drama in high school.
Liles didn’t start impersonating Marilyn Monroe until she was in her 50s.
“It all started out very innocently at a ‘Murder Mystery’ birthday party given by friends in my Sunday school class.” She was given the part of “Carolyn Monroe.”
Determined to do it well, she watched Marilyn Monroe movies and made
herself look like Marilyn. She later took singing lessons, and she imitated the late actresses’ soft voice.
She then got requests to impersonate more of Marilyn — which she did on film for a class reunion at Northwest High School, a Muskogee music festival, the Oklahoma Senior Cabaret at Hillsdale College and at the first Oklahoma Senior Follies in Oklahoma City.
“My philosophy is that you are never too old to pursue your passions,” Liles insists. “You can keep on learning, improving, and sharing if you are capable.”