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Doro Merande (March 31, 1892 – November 1, 1975) was an American actress who appeared in Hollywood films, onstage and on television. A well-regarded character actress, she frequently portrayed "sour, witchy old women". She was born as Dora Matthews in Columbus, Kansas (some sources indicate Dorothy Matthews) and orphaned at a young age. Born in Columbus, Kansas and named Dora Matthews, the girl was orphaned at a young age. When old enough, she headed to New York City to become an actress. She found her first part in a small summer company in Massachusetts. Merande coveted Broadway parts... MORE

Doro Merande (March 31, 1892 – November 1, 1975) was an American actress who appeared in Hollywood films, onstage and on television. A well-regarded character actress, she frequently portrayed "sour, witchy old women". She was born as Dora Matthews in Columbus, Kansas (some sources indicate Dorothy Matthews) and orphaned at a young age. Born in Columbus, Kansas and named Dora Matthews, the girl was orphaned at a young age. When old enough, she headed to New York City to become an actress. She found her first part in a small summer company in Massachusetts. Merande coveted Broadway parts during the Great Depression. Her career began with the Jules Levanthal Company. She debuted on Broadway as "Sophie Tuttle" in Loose Moments in 1935. Soon she was cast in One Good Year, Red Harvest, and Angel Island. Her first important role was playing the gossip in Our Town by Thornton Wilder (in which role she made her film debut in 1940 in the film by the same name). Merande later appeared with Leo G. Carroll in Lo and Behold, The Rat Race with Betty Field, and in The Silver Whistle, with Jose Ferrer. She also performed with Clifton Webb (in Mr. Belvedere Rings The Bell), Walter Huston (in Apple LESS