
Doris Davenport
ActingAbout Doris Davenport
From Wikipedia Doris Davenport, also known as Doris Jordan (January 1, 1917 - June 18, 1980) was an American film actress during the 1930s and early 1940s. Davenport was born in Moline, Illinois, but raised in Hollywood, California. She started auditioning for acting roles, and performed in her first film in 1934, titled Kids Millions. From 1934 to 1939, she would appear in only five films, supporting herself by working in New York City as a fashion model between films. However, when she auditioned under the screen name "Doris Jordan" for the role of "Scarlett O'Hara", the lead role in the now classic Gone with the Wind, she did well enough to become one of the finalists for the role, but lost out to actress Vivien Leigh. Despite not winning that major role, Davenport impressed MGM executive Samuel Goldwyn. In 1940, he gave a lead role to Davenport in the film The Westerner, starring opposite Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan. That same year she starred in the film Behind the News opposite Lloyd Nolan. It would be her last role. With no other offers following that film, she soon retired from acting. She eventually settled in Santa Cruz, California, where she lived until her death on June 18, 1980, aged 63.
Doris Davenport Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Doris Davenport reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 7 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Doris Davenport's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 57% of Doris Davenport's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Westerner, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Doris Davenport Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Doris Davenport's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Doris Davenport has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Behind the News | Barbara Shaw | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Westerner | Jane Ellen Mathews | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Sorority House | Neva Simpson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Born to Dance | Chorus Girl (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | George White's 1935 Scandals | Chorine | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | His Old Flame | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | Kid Millions | Nora | Hit | Similar → |
Doris Davenport - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Doris Davenport?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Doris Davenport is "The Westerner" with a rating of 7.1/10.
How many movies has Doris Davenport acted in?
Doris Davenport has been featured in at least 7 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Doris Davenport?
Other notable films include "Behind the News", "Sorority House", and "Kid Millions".




