Joan Dixon

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Joan Dixon (June 6, 1930-February 20, 1995) was an American film and television actress in the 1950s. She was also a singer. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Dixon. Her most memorable role is probably in Roadblock.

[edit] Biography

Dixon's career, while under contract at RKO Pictures, was in the hands of Howard Hughes. He attempted but failed to make her into the star he made of Jane Russell,(who she resembles). Hughes had personal contracts with Dixon, Russell, and Janis Carter. In September 1952 it was revealed that Hughes had an agreement with the Ralph E. Stolkin syndicate to lend RKO Pictures the sum of $8,000,000 The loan commitment was made as part of a sales accord following losses sustained by RKO in the previous two years. Earlier Hughes controlled RKO-Radio studio.

Joan eloped and married Chicago, Illinois camera manufacturer Theodore (Ted) Briskin in October 1952. Briskin was formerly the husband of Betty Hutton, having married and divorced her twice. Dixon and Briskin were married in a surprise ceremony in the wedding chapel of the Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 23 and he was 35. Their marriage lasted but three weeks, with Miss Dixon leaving Briskin in early November 1952. She was later married to writer William Dixon. They divorced in 1959.

The actress appeared in ten films (mostly westerns) and appeared on a few television programs. Her television appearances include episodes of The Ford Television Theater (1957) and Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1956).

Joan performed as a vocalist at Dino's Lodge in Los Angeles, California in December 1960.

[edit] References

Los Angeles Times, Hughes Contract Calls for Loan of $8,000,000, September 25, 1952, Page 10.
Los Angeles Times, Ted Briskin Weds Actress Joan Dixon, October 18, 1952, Page A1.
Los Angeles Times, Joan Dixon Film Actress, Gets Divorce, January 19, 1954, Page A1.
Los Angeles Times, Debbie's Divorce From Eddie Noisiest of Loud Splits In 1959, January 2, 1960, Page B1.
Los Angeles Times, Night Life Scene, December 31, 1960, Page 9.