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Dorothy W. Taylor

Former Hollywood Movie Starlet Appeared In Laurel & Hardy Comedies In Early 1930s

June 09, 2009|By Frederick N. Rasmussen , fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com

Her last picture was Hollywood on Parade in 1933, which starred Mary Pickford and Johnny May Brown.

Mrs. Taylor, whose love affair with Mr. Marchetti collapsed, abruptly abandoned her Hollywood career and returned to Baltimore in 1934.

Within a month of returning to Baltimore, she met and married Howard W. Taylor Jr., a Baltimore businessman.

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The marriage ended in divorce.

"She moved on and didn't lament leaving Hollywood. She was good at moving on and through things," her son said.

In 1947, Mrs. Taylor was recruited to be a volunteer at the Home for Incurables as Keswick was then known. In 1954 she became the home's paid entertainment director. She retired in 1977.

Mrs. Taylor, who had lived on Purlington Road in Homeland for many years, later moved to Elkridge Estates before settling in the Towson retirement community in 1996, where she participated in shows.

Despite the passing of the years, Mrs. Taylor retained her sense of style and beauty.

"She always looked like a million bucks," said John P. Cook, her grandson, who lives in Hollywood, St. Mary's County. "I never saw her wear anything else but high-heels."

Mrs. Taylor enjoyed going to the movies and the theater. She was also an avid gardener.

At her request, there will be no services.

In addition to her son and grandson, Mrs. Taylor is survived by a great-granddaughter. Her daughter, Barbara Ann Raley, died earlier this year.

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