Spotlight - "I'm ready for my close up" the story of Dorit Haines
Dorit Haines was born in Vienna, Austria. Her father Bernard was involved with anti nazi campaigns which at the time put the family in a very dangerous position. Soon they had to flee for their lives and went firstly to Bratislava and then on to England.
Dorit although only a child, remembers the trip and the excitement of going to a new country. In 1939 Dorit attended Fulneck Girls School, Pudsey and Esmee Church's Bradford Theatre School.
Her Mother Trudy wanted to be an actress but her Uncle, Frederick Feher, did not allow it. He however was a successful actor and performed in the famous silent film, 'Cabinet of Dr Caligari'. He has also trod the boards of the Rhinehart Theatre in Vienna.
Dorit Welles (her stage name) first professional role was Viola in Twelfth Night. She played many stage roles with many of the great English Actors including Robert Donat (Murder in the Cathedral) at The Old Vic. She also played Rebecca (Mrs de Winter), and worked with Wilfred Lawson in 'Barrets of Winpole Street'.
For BBC Radio Drama she worked with Ralph Richardson (The Heiress), 'Sybil Thorndyke', Jessie Matthews, Donald Wolfit and Dudley Moore and many more..
On Tour Dorit played Polly in 'The Boy Friend' and worked with Lupino Lane in 'Me and My Girl'.
Dorit married Alan in December 1962. Alan is an Actor, director, singer and producer. The couple were in the papers with many of their wedding photographs.
They have lived in Queen's Club Gardens for over forty years.
Dorit has been a volunteer at the Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith, London for 34 years since her operation there in 1972.
It was during her recovery that Dorit began helping out where she could. Ironically Dorits first BBC drama role was in "Emergancy Ward 10" in the 1950s. I guess she had plenty of experience to source from.
Dorit vists patients and has worked in the hospital chapel. She now works at the information desk. She recently recieved an award for the longest running volunteer.
She is a member of St Andrew's church choir and helps with the fruit and veg/salad coop and more recently the coffee mornings. She is also a volunteer at the St Andrew's project for the homeless.
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