Dody Goodman

Dody Goodman

Dody Goodman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 23, 2008.
NEW YORK (AP) – Dody Goodman, the delightfully daffy comedian known for her television appearances on Jack Paar's late-night talk show and as the mother on the soap-opera parody "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," has died at 93.

Goodman died Sunday at Englewood (N.J.) Hospital and Medical Center, said Joan Adams, a close family friend. The actress had been ill for some time and had lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood since October, Adams said.

Goodman, with her pixyish appearance and Southern-tinged, quavery voice, had an eclectic show-business career. She moved easily from stage to television to movies, where she appeared in such popular films as "Grease" and "Grease 2," playing Blanche, the principal's assistant, and in "Splash."

It was on "The Tonight Show" when Paar was the late night TV program's second host in the late 1950s that Goodman first received national attention. Her quirky, off-kilter remarks inevitably got laughs and endeared audiences.

"I was just thrown into the talking," Goodman said in a 1994 interview with The Associated Press. "I had no idea how to do that. In fact, they just called me up and asked me if I wanted to be on 'The Jack Paar Show.' I didn't know who Jack Paar was. They said, 'We just want you to sit and talk.'"

After a falling out with Paar, other chat shows took up the slack, including "The Merv Griffin Show" and "Girl Talk." And there were roles on TV series, too, most notably her appearances as Martha Shumway (Louise Lasser's mother) on "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," starting in 1976, and guest shots on such shows as "Diff'rent Strokes," ''St. Elsewhere" and "Murder, She Wrote."

In later years, Goodman was a regular in "Nunsense" and its various sequels, appearing off-Broadway and on tour in Dan Goggin's comic musical celebration of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. She started out playing Sister Mary Amnesia, later graduating to the role of Mother Superior.

"Dody had the most impeccable comic timing," Goggin said. "When we had her in the show, she was the only person on Earth who could walk on stage, say, 'Are you ready to start?' and bring the house down. Within seconds, the audience was eating out of her hand."

The actress was born Dolores Goodman on Oct. 28, 1914, in Columbus, Ohio, where her father ran a small cigar factory. She arrived in New York in the late 1930s to study dance at the School of American Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet School, and later graduated to Broadway musicals.

The actress performed regularly on stage in the 1940s and early '50s as a chorus member in such musicals as "Something for the Boys," ''One Touch of Venus," ''Laffing Room Only," ''Miss Liberty," ''Call Me Madam," ''My Darlin' Aida" and "Wonderful Town," in which she originated the role of Violet, the streetwalker.

"I had to make so many transitions into other things," Goodman said in the AP interview. "When I first came out of dancing, I did revues."

It was the early to mid-'50s, when small, topical nightclub revues flourished. Goodman, a natural comedian, thrived in them. She performed in shows by Ben Bagley and Julius Monk, and in Jerry Herman's first effort, a revue called "Parade."

In more recent times, she appeared on David Letterman's late-night talk show.

"He understands my sense of humor. I will do a dumb thing for fun. That's how I got the reputation for being dopey and dumb. I don't like dumb jokes but I will do dumb things for a laugh," she said in the AP interview.

Goodman, who never married, is survived by seven nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews and 15 great-great nieces and nephews, Adams said.

A memorial service is planned.


Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press

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May 17, 2020

tom jones posted to the memorial.

October 17, 2017

Dee Kennedy posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2016

Allison Dupont posted to the memorial.

82 Entries

tom jones

May 17, 2020

Dody was put in the north high school of fame as she came back to the school she graduted from and talked for 45 min she signed her antigraph and was a delight to have and was very greatfull to the school where she grew up her in columbus of course it had changed since she was here so that was a sight to see i just dont know why she didnt get to burried here where she grew up columbus i know there would of been a great place for he to be for her eternal life here she is a buckeye forever

Dee Kennedy

October 17, 2017

I am 74 now and I still remember loving to watch her in everything I could. She was my favorite! It takes a special person to make people feel happy and laugh at some of the most absurd things. Only she could do it!

Allison Dupont

March 8, 2016

Amazing person. Never forgotten, Rest in Peace, sweet Angel.

Jack Hammer

October 23, 2013

Ms Goodman was always a favorite of mine from the moment I first saw her on The Jack Paar Show. In fact, she became the only reason to watch the show. Anything she did following that Drew me attention. She should be remembered as a standout among others of that time.

Jack Hammer
San Diego, California

March 20, 2010

For Dody...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

January 15, 2010

To Dody Goodman,
I watched you in the movies Grease 1 AND 2. Plus I watched on the soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and I thought you were so funny. I'll mis you making me laugh. Lisa Weiner.

Glen Hausfeld

January 7, 2009

Sighs.......................................
I just do not know what to say

Lisa Weiner

September 6, 2008

To Miss Goodman,
I thought you a very good actress and I'm sorry not around anymore. Lisa Weiner.

Jerry & Dody

Jerry Lynch

July 4, 2008

I'll miss you Doty, fond memories of years passed.

Leda Carmody

June 28, 2008

My dear Grandmother and I used to love seeing you on The Tonight Show! She let me stay up, far later than my Mother would. Thank you for the childhood fun memories.

My sympathy to your family.

LaVerne Charity

June 28, 2008

To Family Of Dody Goodman,
What a great actress. I first saw her on TV during comedy and I thought what a funny lady, she's really good. God had a great plan for her and she fulfilled it in everyway. May the grace of God continue to be with you through this very difficult time. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Maggie Weaver

June 28, 2008

I was a little girl the first time I saw you on TV and remember you as the funnies Lady I ever saw and enjoyed you in all the shows you were on and acted in .May you rest in peace with the Lord.

Patsy Doss

June 27, 2008

So long, Great Lady! Dody was the very best of everything she did. Being from an east Texas town, I have been teased that I sound like "Dody!" What a RICH compliment to ME! I watched her everytime I could, and she never failed to make us laugh and we will miss her! Make the angels laugh, Dody! God bless her and her family!

June 27, 2008

Deepest condolences to the family. It was a joy to have been entertained by this lovely lady. Thanks for the memories, Dody.

Ernest Pudney

June 27, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of dody passing dody will be deeply missed by me and my family . GOD BLESS YOU DODY.

Mary SMITH

June 27, 2008

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss ofyour loved one. I enjoyed watching Dody on the Tonight Show. Her wit and comedy is sorely missing today. We can look to the future when God will eliminate sickness, sorrow, and death. Please read Revelation 21:4. His words bring us comfort and give us hope.

mark weinreb

June 26, 2008

You were brillant in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman". rest in Peace.

Maree Hewey

June 26, 2008

God Bless You

Marisa

June 26, 2008

"When I hear music, I just can't make my feet behave". Blanche - Grease.
I still use this line she said from the movie.

My Deepest condolences to the Goodman family.

BILL CRONIN

June 26, 2008

DODY,

MAY YOU REST IN GODS LOVING

HANDS,SLEEP WELL,GOD ONLY

TAKES THE BEST.

Suzanne R. Harris

June 26, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Ms. Goodman's family. I will remember her work with great fondness. May eternal peace be yours.

Karen

June 26, 2008

My deepest to entire family of Dody. Though I do not know her earlier work, I fondly remember how she made me laugh in "Grease". She was a very funny lady and will be deeply missed by all.

Wanisha

June 26, 2008

Can you see, with your mind's eye
a paradise the earth will be
Old will grow young, No death nor pain
Everlasting life we'll see
Yes there will be a day when we will
all say, "Life with out end at last"

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, In order that everone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

Brenda Smith

June 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She will be missed by many. She made me laugh no matter what she played in. I loved her in "Grease" and "Mary Hartman". She will keep the angels in much laughter.

Ryan Hunsinger

June 25, 2008

Rest in peace mrs. Goodman,

i used to watch grease 1 and 2, mrs goodman was funny.

Ryan

Michele Taylor

June 25, 2008

The world is missing a wonderful woman. Blessings to her family during this time! She is with God.

MRS FLEMING

June 25, 2008

DODY GOODMAN WAS THE GREATEST "STORY" EVER TOLD!!
REST IN PEACE DODY

Patricia Burris

June 25, 2008

Special thoughts of a wonderful lady go to her family. Dody was the only "comic" who could make me "laugh out loud!"

Gail Siegel

June 25, 2008

To The Family of Ms. Dody Goodman:

I would like to express my sincere sympathies for your loss. She was a wonderful actress and the world has suffered a tragic loss.

Rest In Peace, Dody Goodman.

Donna Lee Willey

June 25, 2008

Miss Dody you will now be the entertainer of the heavenly angels. From now on when I hear the roar of thunder I will look up and smile knowing you must be being you and everyone is enjoying You.

Thanks for the memories.

Nora Morris

June 25, 2008

She was a ray of sunshine, a rare talent. I am smiling right now, just thinking about her.

Mark Jones

June 25, 2008

My heart sank when I saw the obituary.....what a lovely talent, a lovely woman.....no one could have played Grease's Blanche better than Dody...I'll always remember her with a smile.

Ruthanne Jenkins

June 25, 2008

I loved her in GREASE.

So did my daughter who is now 25!

We will miss Ms Dody Goodman

Sherry and Thomas Elsey, SR

June 25, 2008

you are just so cute we love every part you played in, and you will be missed by our family we love and miss you god speed Dody your in his loving hands now. may you rest in heavenly peace .
the elseys

Barbara McLain

June 24, 2008

The world has lost a special person. My deepest sympathy to her family.

CARMEN CLUCK

June 24, 2008

I SAW YOU IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA WITH THE STAGE PRODUCTION OF "GREASE" IN 1995.. YOU WERE GREAT.. WE SHALL MISS YOU. MS DODY!!

Carolyn Rybak

June 24, 2008

Dody Goodman will be missed by
many of us who watched her on
the "Merv Griffin" show years ago.
We laughed til we cried, she was
soo entertaining, we just loved
her !!

Brian Beausoleil

June 24, 2008

What a great and talented woman! She surely will be missed. She truly was a unique and brilliant star! Any role that she took on became her own and no one could ever do it better.

She always had a way of capturing your heart in her own zany way. And as Blanche in "Grease" she was jut show stopping!!! Of course her signature voice could be recognized anywhere - I loved her bunches!!!

My deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to all her family, friends, and of course to her many fans. She is lighting up the heavens with her great presence...may God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Thank you for all the laughter and happiness that you brought us all. May you Rest in peace!

Tanya

June 24, 2008

You will be missed.

Harry Simpson

June 24, 2008

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

renee bowling

June 24, 2008

going to miss you/

J Mikell

June 24, 2008

I remember the late night falling a sleep then hearing the Mary Hartman show coming on and waking to watch it. May the God of peace and comfort, comfort you all during this time of sadness. She lived a long life. Psalms 83:18

Daniels Family

June 24, 2008

Our condolences are offered to the family of such a talented and funny woman. May you find comfort in your memories and in God's promise of seeing our loved ones again, "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."
(John 5:28,29)

CONCETTA MARIA LOMBARDI

June 24, 2008

IN GOD'S CARE. REST IN PEACE.NOW,YOU ARE MAKING THE ANGELS LAUGH TOO!. WE WILL MISS YOU!

ray interlandi

June 24, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Rest In Peace

Michael Iezzi

June 24, 2008

Father we entrust our sister Dody to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Dody in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

E Roman

June 24, 2008

Another comic Icon is in the great show with her peers.
You are missed.

Nancy McNeil

June 24, 2008

I just loved her wit. She could utter the most commomplace things and make them funny. The body language as well all contributed to her unique comic style. We've lost another comic icon and she will be genuinely missed. God's comfort to her family.

Sharon & Bob

June 24, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Miss Goodman gave us laughter...which is the BEST medicine! THANK YOU!

Mary Kiviaho

June 24, 2008

"Blanche" thanks for bringing your special brand of happiness to us. You will be missed! May God bless your family and loved ones through this difficult time.

Karen Mullian

June 24, 2008

Dear Dody, you will be missed. Oddly, your name and face popped into my mind just the other day. When I would come home from school, many years ago, my mom would have Merv Griffin on; and I have many fond memories of your appearances. You and your family are being held in The Light.

Helene Phillips

June 24, 2008

Funny Lady!!
God Bless

June 24, 2008

Rest in Peace, Funny Lady!

Rosalind Tajada

June 23, 2008

To the family of Dody Goodman

I remember that face of funnies. That face will be missed. All of God's blessings, love, and understanding, are with you at this sorrowful time in your lives family, and my very sincere condolences to you as well.

PEACE BE STILL

Shirley Willoughby

June 23, 2008

To the Family of Dody
She was a wonderful actress I can remember first seeing her in Mary Harttman Mary Hartman and Grease what at wonderful acting job she did that has been my favorite movie of all time and every time I watch it from now on Dody will forever be Blanche. Rest in peace Dody

Eileen Greene

June 23, 2008

I just loved Dody. She was so funny, and sweet, and her timing was perfect. I can still see her at the end of Grease, hitting the bells for Eve Arden to make the announcement that school is over, and then once Eve starts talking she keeps hitting them (a little too long) and then they are both blubbering because they're sad that school's out for summer... she was so funny and sweet. Well, Dody.... you get the summer off too. God bless your soul. Thanks for the laughs and love.

Terri & Louie

June 23, 2008

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with your family. We truly have lost a great Lady.

"Funny Women"

June 23, 2008

The Hosmer Family

June 23, 2008

May you rest in peace.

D. K.

June 23, 2008

Your smile and heart will be missed, the angels above will be delighted to be in with you

Christopher Sapp

June 23, 2008

DODY , MY FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOU WOULD BE , GREASE ! HOW COOL ! DING , DING , DONG , DONG ! DONG !

Robyn Leonard

June 23, 2008

Another sad loss to comedy...A toast to a grand lady...Godspeed.

Prayers to her family

Cheri Weiner

June 23, 2008

To the loving families of Dody Goodman:

We send our prayers and condolences to all who loved Dody and for all whom she loved back.

She will be missed by so many, but we are all so grateful that we had her for the time we did.

Kathy Monagle

June 23, 2008

Ms. Dody Goodman was an amazing talent and the world is a less funnier place without her talent. I adored her humor!

D.L. ZIMMERMAN

June 23, 2008

REST IN PEACE, DODY GOODMAN

Sandy

June 23, 2008

You will be missed as you brought a much needed light into this world. GOD bless.

Judy Gilbert

June 23, 2008

You were one of the best. We will miss you.

Sally

June 23, 2008

The world has lost a real gem.

donna

June 23, 2008

always a joy to watch and listen to.....
she will be missed.
rest in peace ms. goodman.

Jimmy Short

June 23, 2008

You brought us so much fun, entertainment and happiness! Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Liz Bertram

June 23, 2008

I remember watching her as a child. May she rest in peace.

Cajun LeBlanc

June 23, 2008

Its ashame but we lost another funny person. May she rest in peace and may God help her family get thru these sad times.

Torrance Mom

June 23, 2008

Another entertainment icon gone...too sad. Thank goodness we can still watch her comedic talents forever! God bless video & dvd inventors!!! Our family will miss you Ms. Goodman! You and George Carlin will make Heaven even better!

The Meister Family

June 23, 2008

Ms. Goodman was a delight....a comic genius who will never be duplicated. May your Aunt's legacy of great work be of comfort to you.

Nick Spina, Jr.

June 23, 2008

I remember her and she did get a chuckle out of me many times.

June Bradford

June 23, 2008

So sorry to hear of her passing. I loved watching her. She played her roles well.

Surely she is one of God's newest angels.

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May 17, 2020

tom jones posted to the memorial.

October 17, 2017

Dee Kennedy posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2016

Allison Dupont posted to the memorial.