Dolly Read: From Bristol Beauty to Hollywood’s First British Playboy Playmate

Studio portrait of Dolly Read, late 1960s. This promotional photograph captures Britain’s first Playboy Playmate during her Hollywood career, exemplifying the classic glamour photography style of the era.

Introduction

Dolly Read British Playboy Playmate and star of the cult classic Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, carved out a unique place in Hollywood history. Born in Bristol, England—the same city that produced Cary Grant—Dolly Read’s journey from English pin-up model to American entertainment icon is a fascinating tale of glamour, determination, and reinvention that continues to captivate fans decades later.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Dolly Read in Bristol, England, sources cite conflicting birth dates: September 13, 1944, and December 24, 1946. Sharing her hometown with legendary actor Cary Grant would later prove to be more than just a curious coincidence—it became the foundation of a meaningful friendship.

Dolly Read began her entertainment career in England as a pin-up model and actress. Her first screen appearance was an uncredited role in the 1963 horror film Kiss of the Vampire. During this early period, she also appeared on British television, including episodes of Dixon of Dock Green (1963), Armchair Theatre, and Maigret.

The Cary Grant Connection

One of the most charming stories from Dolly Read’s early Hollywood days involves her meeting with Cary Grant at a cocktail party hosted by singer Peggy Lee. Upon discovering they were both from Bristol, an instant connection formed. Grant invited her to meet at the Hollywood Race Track and even asked for her mother’s phone number so he could call her when visiting Bristol.

Dolly once confessed to the elegant star: “You know, Cary, every time I see you, I become a babbling idiot.” His witty response was classic Grant: “I don’t make you a babbling idiot. You do that yourself.”

Bunnies en Londres documental 1967.

Breaking Into Playboy: A Historic Moment

The London Playboy Club Audition

Dolly Read British Playboy Playmate: Dolly Read’s breakthrough came when she spotted an advertisement seeking Playboy Bunnies to staff the opening of the London Playboy Club. Having always dreamed of America—captivated by images of cowboys, Indians, and gangsters from films and television—she saw this as her opportunity.

During her interview with Victor Lownes, then Vice President of Playboy, she received disappointing news: Hugh Hefner preferred thinner women, and she wasn’t his “type.” However, Lownes was so taken with her that he invited her to accompany him to America. To secure her visa, he cleverly told the American Embassy that she was his fiancée.

Meeting Hugh Hefner

Upon arriving at the Playboy Mansion in Chicago, Dolly Read met Hugh Hefner himself. His reaction contradicted Lownes’ assessment entirely: “What do you mean ‘she’s not my type Bunny’? Of course she is!” This endorsement changed everything.

Dolly Read became Britain’s first Playboy Playmate, appearing as Playmate of the Month in the May 1966 issue. The photoshoot was captured by renowned Playboy photographer Pompeo Posar. She later posed for the magazine again in 1970.

Dolly Read British Playboy Playmate: Life as a Playboy Bunny

Dolly Read worked as a Playboy Bunny in clubs across London, Chicago, and New York. While the position appeared glamorous, she later revealed that the work was actually quite demanding. The famous Bunny costume, complete with high heels and the iconic ears and tail, required stamina and grace to navigate long shifts on the club floors.

The American Dream and Financial Struggles

A Windfall in Vegas

After her time as a Bunny, Dolly Read moved to America, where she lived for two years on $6,000 she had won playing roulette in a casino during an evening out with Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia. This windfall provided her with a cushion as she pursued her Hollywood dreams.

Difficult Times in New York

Her journey wasn’t without hardship. During a challenging period in New York, Dolly Read contracted pneumonia and broke her foot. These setbacks prompted her to relocate to Los Angeles, a move that would prove transformative.

Finding Paradise in Los Angeles

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Dolly Read was immediately enchanted. She described it as a “utopia,” captivated by the palm trees, blue skies, and friendly people. However, financial difficulties persisted. In a humbling moment that speaks to the unpredictability of show business, she was rejected for a waitressing position at the International House of Pancakes—despite her extensive experience serving as a Bunny in high heels at prestigious Playboy Clubs.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls: A Cult Classic is Born

Landing the Lead Role

Dolly Read’s most significant film role came in 1970 when she starred in Russ Meyer’s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, with a screenplay by legendary film critic Roger Ebert. The film would become a cult classic, though it was initially controversial and divisive.

On her way to audition at 20th Century Fox, Dolly Read noticed an enormous billboard for the musical Hello, Dolly! She took it as an omen that she would get the part—and she was right.

Interestingly, she originally auditioned for the role that went to Cynthia Myers, but director Russ Meyer switched their parts. Dolly Read was cast as Kelly MacNamara, the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band The Kelly Affair (later renamed The Carrie Nations).

The Plot and Character

In Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, Kelly travels to Los Angeles with her band and boyfriend/manager Harris Allsworth to reconnect with her estranged aunt, Susan Lake, hoping to receive part of her inheritance. They are discovered by flamboyant producer Ronnie “Z-Man” Barzell, who takes them under his wing.

The film follows Kelly’s descent into the excesses of Hollywood—drugs, sex, and violence—culminating in a shocking finale inspired by the Manson Family murders. In a dramatic twist, Z-Man is revealed to be a woman in disguise who goes on a murderous rampage.

Working with Russ Meyer

Director Russ Meyer was known for his exacting standards and distinctive style. He famously insisted that actors not blink during close-ups, creating an intense, almost hypnotic quality in his films. While he could be strict on set, he also showed kindness—he arranged a sleeper sofa for Dolly Read’s parents when they visited the production.

Meyer was adamant that his film was not a sequel to the 1967 film Valley of the Dolls, despite the similar title, and forbade the cast from watching the original movie.

The Sharon Tate Connection

In one poignant scene, Dolly Read wore a dress that Sharon Tate had worn in the original Valley of the Dolls. Despite the eerie coincidence surrounding Tate’s tragic murder by the Manson Family in 1969, Dolly considered it an honor to wear the garment.

Body Image and Performance

Despite posing for Playboy and appearing in a film with significant nudity, Dolly Read admitted she never felt comfortable with her body: “I never felt at ease with my body… I had incredible breasts, but I didn’t like the rest of me, and I still don’t.”

Her singing voice in the film was dubbed by Lynn Carey, as Dolly couldn’t sing herself. However, the role still fulfilled a lifelong fantasy of being a rock singer, making it a meaningful experience despite this limitation.

Cast Relationships

Dolly Read developed strong bonds with her co-stars that have endured for decades. She maintains regular contact with Marcia McBroom and frequently sees Harrison Page, who lives nearby. These friendships have kept the spirit of the film alive through reunion events and interviews.

Meeting Dick Martin: A Love Story

Love at First Sight

In 1971, Dolly Read met American comedian Dick Martin, best known as co-host of the wildly popular television variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. They encountered each other at a restaurant, and it was love at first sight.

Eight weeks after their initial meeting, Dick called her with an unforgettable line: “Hello, Dolly, this is Dick Martin and I think I’m in love with you.” Dolly later recalled: “I started laughing and didn’t stop laughing until he died.”

Marriage, Separation, and Reunion

The couple married in 1971, and Dolly became stepmother to Dick’s two sons, Richard and Cary Martin. However, after two years, they divorced. According to Dolly, the split occurred because Dick didn’t want to adopt children, despite having previously promised they would.

Despite the divorce, the couple never truly separated—they continued living together. Four years later, in 1978, they remarried, solidifying a relationship that would last until Dick Martin’s death in 2008.

Choosing Love Over Career

Following her marriage, Dolly Read made a conscious decision to prioritize her relationship with Dick Martin over pursuing a film career. When she refused to attend an audition, her agent dropped her. It was a choice she never regretted, valuing the laughter-filled life she shared with Dick over Hollywood stardom.

A Memorable Television Moment

During an appearance on The Mike Douglas Show, Dick Martin put Dolly on the spot by announcing she loved to sing, prompting her to perform “Wouldn’t It Be Lovely.” Dick was doubled over with laughter, later saying it was the first time she had held a tune—a loving tease that exemplified their playful relationship.

Television Career and Game Show Appearances

While Dolly Read chose not to pursue major film roles after Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, she maintained a presence on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Television Roles

Charlie’s Angels (3 episodes, 1978)
Vega$ (1 episode, 1978)
Fantasy Island (2 episodes, 1980)
The Mike Douglas Show (guest appearance)
That Tender Touch (1969)

Game Show Queen

Dolly Read became a popular panelist on numerous game shows, where her quick wit and engaging personality made her a favorite:

Match Game (1975–1981)
The Match Game (1990–1991)
Tattletales (1977)
Mindreaders
Super Password

These appearances kept her in the public eye and showcased the humor and charm that had made her such a beloved figure.

Dolly Martin in Match Game - Mark Goodson Television Productions (1990) — **Dolly Martin in Match Game** – Mark Goodson Television Productions (1990)

Hollywood Friendships

Angie Dickinson

Dolly Read developed a close friendship with actress Angie Dickinson, and the two regularly play poker together. Their enduring friendship represents the strong bonds she formed within the Hollywood community.

Frank Sinatra

Living in Malibu, Dolly Read counted Frank Sinatra as a friend—he lived just ten doors away. In one memorable conversation, Sinatra told her: “I want you at my funeral.” When she asked why, he replied: “You’ll brighten the place up with your laugh.” This quote perfectly captures the joy and lightness Dolly brought to those around her.

Laugh-In Connections

Through Dick Martin, Dolly maintained connections to the Laugh-In family. She stays in touch with Joanne Worley, exchanging cards annually and meeting at parties, keeping alive the spirit of that groundbreaking comedy show.

Life Today: Still Vibrant at [Age]

As of a 2020 interview, Dolly Martin (as she’s now known following her marriage) remains an energetic and lively storyteller with a wonderful laugh. While she acknowledges that she’s “scaling everything back” as she gets older, she remains engaged with the entertainment world and her legacy.

Writing Her Memoir

Dolly is currently working on a book about her life and career. This memoir promises to offer deeper insights into her remarkable journey from Bristol to Hollywood, her time as a Playboy Bunny, her cult film classic, and her decades-long marriage to Dick Martin.

Staying Connected

Dolly Read actively participates in events celebrating her work:

In 2006, she contributed interviews and commentary for a special DVD edition of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
She attended a special screening of the film in Beverly Hills, organized to honor the birthday of the late screenwriter Roger Ebert
Her official Instagram account (linked from her IMDb profile) keeps her connected with fans

A New Generation of Fans

Remarkably, Dolly still receives substantial fan mail, including from young people in their early twenties who are discovering Beyond the Valley of the Dolls for the first time. The film’s cult status has introduced her to entirely new audiences, decades after its release.

Maintaining Hollywood Connections

Dolly remains close to her Beyond the Valley of the Dolls co-stars:

She’s in constant contact with Marcia McBroom
She frequently sees Harrison Page, who lives nearby

These enduring friendships speak to the genuine connections she made throughout her career.

Residence

Dolly continues to live in Los Angeles, the city she fell in love with decades ago when she first saw its palm trees and blue skies.

Dolly Read British Playboy Playmate (1966)

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Pioneer Status

As Britain’s first Playboy Playmate, Dolly Read broke new ground for British women in American entertainment. Her May 1966 centerfold opened doors for other international models and helped establish Playboy’s global reach.

Cult Film Icon

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls has achieved legendary status among cult film enthusiasts. Its campy excess, quotable dialogue, and transgressive content have made it a favorite for midnight movie screenings and film studies courses. Dolly Read’s performance as Kelly MacNamara remains central to the film’s enduring appeal.

Choosing Authenticity

Perhaps Dolly Read’s most inspiring legacy is her choice to prioritize personal happiness over career advancement. In an industry that often demands complete sacrifice, she chose love, laughter, and genuine relationships—a decision that brought her decades of joy with Dick Martin.

Memorable Quotes

Throughout her life, Dolly Read, British Playboy Playmate has shared wisdom and humor through memorable quotes:

On Aging: “The older I get, the more I scale everything back.”

To Cary Grant: “You know, Cary, every time I see you, I become a babbling idiot.” His response: “I don’t make you a babbling idiot. You do that yourself.”

On Body Image: “I never felt at ease with my body… I had incredible breasts, but I didn’t like the rest of me, and I still don’t.”

On Meeting Dick Martin: “He called me and said: ‘Hello, Dolly, this is Dick Martin and I think I’m in love with you.’ And I started laughing and didn’t stop laughing until he died.”

On Frank Sinatra: “Frank once said to me: ‘I want you at my funeral.’ I asked why and he said: ‘You’ll brighten the place up with your laugh.'”

Complete Filmography

Films

Kiss of the Vampire (1963) – uncredited
That Tender Touch (1969)
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

Television

Dixon of Dock Green (1 episode, 1963)
Armchair Theatre
Maigret
Charlie’s Angels (3 episodes, 1978)
Vega$ (1 episode, 1978)
Fantasy Island (2 episodes, 1980)
The Mike Douglas Show (guest)

Game Shows

Match Game (1975–1981)
Tattletales (1977)
The Match Game (1990–1991)
Mindreaders
Super Password

Dolly Read in white swimsuit posing with dumbbells between actors Jim Brown and Clint Walker on the set of The Dirty Dozen at Elstree Studios, May 1966 — Dolly Read with Jim Brown and Clint Walker at Elstree Studios during The Dirty Dozen filming, May 10, 1966. The British Playboy Bunny, who became the UK’s first Playmate that same month, visited the set for a promotional photoshoot—a common practice between Playboy and Hollywood studios in the 1960s.

Interesting Trivia

Born in the same Bristol neighborhood as Cary Grant, later becoming his friend
Britain’s first Playboy Playmate (May 1966, photographed by Pompeo Posar)
Lived for two years on $6,000 won at roulette during an evening with Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia
Was rejected for a waitress job at IHOP despite experience as a Playboy Bunny
Wore a dress in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls that Sharon Tate had worn in the original Valley of the Dolls
Her singing in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls was dubbed by Lynn Carey
Chose marriage over her film career, leading her agent to drop her
Frank Sinatra wanted her at his funeral because her laugh would “brighten the place up”
Close friends with Angie Dickinson, with whom she plays poker regularly
Still receives fan mail from people in their early twenties discovering her work

Dolly Read in pink feathered outfit reclining on white bedding while Cary Grant reads The Times newspaper in the background — Dolly Read and Cary Grant during a photo session, late 1960s. The Bristol-born pair became friends after discovering their shared English hometown, leading to a warm relationship between the established Hollywood legend and Britain’s first Playboy Playmate. (link to source)

Dolly Read British Playboy Playmate

Dolly Read’s journey from Bristol pin-up to Britain’s first Playboy Playmate, cult film star, and beloved Hollywood personality represents a unique chapter in entertainment history. Her story encompasses glamour and struggle, fame and personal choice, Hollywood excess and genuine human connection.

What makes Dolly Read’s story particularly compelling is her authenticity. She never pretended to be something she wasn’t—whether admitting she couldn’t sing, acknowledging her body image insecurities, or choosing love over career advancement. This honesty, combined with her infectious laugh and warm personality, has earned her enduring affection from friends, colleagues, and fans spanning multiple generations.

As she works on her memoir, new audiences continue to discover Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, ensuring that Dolly Read’s legacy as Britain’s first Playboy Playmate and a one-of-a-kind Hollywood icon will continue to captivate and inspire for years to come.

Her life reminds us that success isn’t solely measured in box office receipts or career longevity, but in the relationships we build, the joy we create, and the authenticity we maintain—even under the bright lights of Hollywood.

Sources and References

This comprehensive profile of Dolly Read was compiled using a variety of reliable sources, including interviews, encyclopedic references, archival materials, and biographical databases. Below is a complete list of all sources consulted in the creation of this article.

German lobby card for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls showing Dolly Read in a doorway with ornate barber pole in foreground, titled "Blumen ohne Duft" — German lobby card for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970), released as Blumen ohne Duft (Flowers Without Fragrance). Features Dolly Read in her starring role as Kelly MacNamara in Russ Meyer’s cult classic.

Primary Interview Sources

“This Is My Happening And It Freaks Me Out!!!” The Dolly Martin Interview: First British Playboy Playmate and Star of Beyond The Valley of the Dolls

Publication: Greasy Kid Stuff Magazine
Type: In-depth interview
Description: A comprehensive interview with Dolly Martin conducted in October 2020, providing firsthand accounts of her career, personal life, and experiences in Hollywood. This source was invaluable for understanding her perspective on her work and relationships.

Dolly Read Martin on Match Game and More

Publication: Transcript from YouTube channel “tvconfidential”
Type: Video interview/transcript
Description: Features Dolly discussing her game show appearances and television career, offering insights into her work on popular game shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Encyclopedic and Biographical Sources

Dolly Martin

Publication: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dolly_Martin&oldid=1310343244
Type: Encyclopedia article
Description: Comprehensive biographical entry covering Dolly Read’s life, career milestones, and personal history.

Dick Martin

Publication: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dick_Martin&oldid=1307012726
Type: Encyclopedia article
Description: Biographical information about comedian Dick Martin, providing context for Dolly’s marriage and personal life.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

Publication: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beyond_the_Valley_of_the_Dolls&oldid=1308578829
Type: Film encyclopedia article
Description: Detailed information about the 1970 cult classic film, including production details, plot synopsis, cast information, and the film’s cultural impact.

Industry Database Sources

Dolly Read

Publication: IMDb (Internet Movie Database)
Type: Professional entertainment database
Description: Complete filmography, television appearances, and career credits. IMDb serves as the entertainment industry’s most comprehensive database for film and television professionals.