Biography

Dancer and actress of stage and screen, Dorothy Babbs made her film debut playing a dance instructor opposite Jimmy Stewart in the film version of You Can't Take It With You (1938). After a few more films and experience with the Jivin' Jacks and Jills dance group during the 1940s, Babbs figured prominently as a dancer in two musicals, What's Cookin (1942) and Earl Carroll Sketchbook (1946). At one point, she was a protégée of Mary Martin. Babbs' stagework included appearances in the original production of It Could Happen to You and the original Los Angeles production of Lend an Ear opposite Carol Channing. When the play moved to New York, Babbs went too. She retired from performing in 1959. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi