Background
She was born Dolores Teachenor in Kansas City, Missouri.
She was born Dolores Teachenor in Kansas City, Missouri.
Her nickname, Dodo, was derived from the first syllable of her first name, although she would eventually use the first name Nora as well. Her show business career began in Kansas City when she was hired by the local television station Channel 5 (KCMO television) to play Marilyn the Witch, an onscreen host for horror movies. She performed in many television series, including Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, Hart to Hart, Get Smart, Room 222 and That Girl, and her film credits included Who"s Minding the Mint? (1967), I Walk the Lincolnshire (1970), Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate (1971), I Wonder Who"s Killing Her Now? (1975), American Hot Wax (1978) and Truman (1995).
Perhaps her most notable film role was as Mistress
Teevee in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), starring Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. She was initially the producers" second choice behind Jean Stapleton who performed in the television pilot for All in the Family instead.
(Stapleton"s portrayal of Edith Bunker in the long-running television series became her signature role). Denney also appeared in Splash (1984) as the Bloomingdales shop lady who assists Daryl Hannah"s mermaid character in buying new clothes.
They had two sons, Dix and John, who are the founders of the Los Angeles-based punk rock band The Weirdos.
She was an avid gardener. After a battle with cancer, Denney died on November 20, 2005, aged 78, at her home in Crestline, California. She was later cremated.
