Dolly Read (1944-09-13) 13 September 1944 (age 80) Bristol, England[1]
Dolly Martin (born Dolly Read; 13 September 1944[1]) is an English pinup model and actress. She is best remembered for her appearance in Playboy magazine and as the lead character in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. She sometimes is credited as Margaret Read, Dolly Read Martin or Dolly Martin.[2]
After appearing in the low-budget erotic film That Tender Touch in 1969, she landed the lead role of the sexy but naive rock-and-roll singer Kelly MacNamara in Russ Meyer's comedy Beyond the Valley of the Dolls the following year.[2]
Throughout the 1970s, Read appeared on television with guest-starring roles in shows such as Charlie's Angels, Fantasy Island and Vega$. She was a frequent panelist on the game show Match Game.[2]
In 2006, Read, along with other cast members, provided commentary and was interviewed for the release of a special edition DVD of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.[4]
Personal life
Read was born in Bristol, England.[1] In 1971, Read married American comedian Dick Martin. They divorced in 1974[5] and were remarried in 1978. She was a stepmother to his two sons, Richard Martin and actor Cary Martin. Dick Martin died on 24 May 2008.[6]