Career
Born in New York City, Dowling was a model and chorus girl before moving to California in 1943. She was the elder sister of actress Doris Dowling. Prior to her move to Hollywood, Dowling appeared in several Broadway productions, including Panama Hattie (with sister Doris), Hold On To Your Hats, and The Strings, My Lord, Are False.
Dowling began her screen career appearing in Up in Arms (1944) for Samuel Goldwyn.
She appeared in a few films after that, including the film noir Black Angel (1946) but her film career did not advance. Dowling lived in Italy in 1947 through 1950 and appeared in some unmemorable Italian films.
Dowling returned to Hollywood in the 1950s and landed a part in the sci-fi film Gog, her last film. On October 28, 1969, Dowling died at the age of 49 of a heart attack.