Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Sandra Dee Obituary
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actress Sandra Dee, the blond beauty who attracted a large teen audience in the 1960s with films such as "Gidget" and "Tammy and the Doctor" and had a headlined marriage to pop singer Bobby Darin, died Sunday. She was 63.
Dee died at 5:57 a.m. at the Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, said Cynthia Mead, nursing supervisor.
Mead said Dee's family requested that no other details be released. CNN reported that Dee had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for two weeks for complications of kidney disease and pneumonia.
At Universal Studio, Dee was cast mostly in teen movies such as "The Reluctant Debutante," "The Restless Years," "Tammy Tell Me True" and "Take Her She's Mine."
Occasionally, she was able to do secondary roles in other films, such as "Imitation of Life," "A Portrait In Black" and "Romanoff and Juliet."
After a one-month courtship, Dee married Bobby Darin in Elizabeth, N.J., in 1960. A son, Dodd Mitchell, was born to the couple the following year.
In 1965, with her divorce from Darin dampening her teen appeal, Dee was dropped by Universal.
"I thought they were my friends," she said in an interview that year with The Associated Press, referring to her former bosses. "But I found out on the last picture ('A Man Could Get Killed') that I was simply a piece of property to them. I begged them not to make me do the picture, but they insisted."
Born Alexandra Zuck in Bayonne, N.J., Dee became a model while in grade school.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
718 Entries
November 22, 2024
Dear Sandra Dee. What a loss to all family & friends. I would liked to be a friend but... I never met you. Certainly I was a FAN. My prayers are with all the people you touched RIP
Mike Bolton
November 11, 2024
Thanks for all the wonderful TV and movies that you did. May God have open arms for you
Karla Chivington
September 6, 2024
I loved her movies! She seemed like such a sweet but fragile soul. She had such an innocence about her. There will never be anyone like her again. May she be at piece .
How you can show support
Paul Torres
August 23, 2024
Love and prayers to Sandra Dee family and friends and God bless you to Sandra Dee family and friends also l love my friend Sandra Dee forever very much also I miss my friend Sandra Dee forever very much also Rest In Peace. Amen.
Your friend Paul Torres
P. S. Paul and Sandra are best friends forever very much.
Leigh Ellis
April 9, 2024
It was 1962 and I was on vacation with my parents in Las Vegas. I was a typically, chubby pimple faced 15 year old. I found myself standing only 3 feet from my idol Sandra Dee in line at the Sands Hotel waiting for a table in the dining room. She was standing next to Bobby and my mother urged me to ask for their autographs. I couldn't! She was only 2 years older than I - she was really born in 1944 not 1942, and that 2 year difference was a universe away from my situation. I was totally awestruck and I told my mother that I just couldn't infringe on their privacy. I've kicked myself ever since, but the memory of being that close to the girl I idolized will always stay with me,
Lulu Brodsky
December 23, 2023
Thinking of you and the happiness you brought to me and so many other teenage girls in the 60's. We all wanted to be Sandra Dee.
Carl Elledge
March 27, 2023
Sandra Dee was always my favorite actress and I’m 67 yrs and still watching her Gigdet movies❤
Christine Campbell
June 27, 2022
Shes from my era and darling!!! Esp in Imitation of Life!!
Jo Gelato
February 6, 2022
Rest in peace Sandra.
Rose Connolly
November 1, 2021
Sandra acted in so many fun movies and I especially loved " A Summer Place"..she was loved
by so many and her legacy will go on for years to come . Be at peace and at rest with God.
Love, Rose, Coco and Peaches
Laurie Orrell
April 13, 2021
Sorry for your loss those that loved her
Judy Brewer
December 31, 2020
I thought she was the most beautiful person I have ever seen, and I wished I looked just like her. Her death hit me hard, but my memories of her on screen will go on forever.
Joe Casino
August 11, 2020
I had a Secret Crush on you when we both were very Young
October 29, 2019
I LOVED Sandra Dee.
She was a part of my childhood.
What a pretty girl she was !!!
Beverly Ellis
August 20, 2019
Zulu are missed
July 14, 2019
You were an angel and now you're a real one. Your acting made a lot of people forget their cares and smile. Rest in peace angel your free. Cindy F.
Geralyn Kogelman
January 25, 2019
Loved watching all her movies. Would of loved to have met her.
Judy Thompson
January 15, 2019
Sandra Dee was beautiful lady. It's to bad she had to leave us so soon. To young
Nancy Lee
January 7, 2019
Sandra Dee was my teenage idol !!
Gary Lowery
November 27, 2018
Love you Sandra and miss you so much...
Valerie Callen
November 23, 2018
Always admired you. I think of you all the time. Right now I am watching Beyond the Sea the storey of your husband Bobby Darin. You were a wonderful actress and loved by everyone. RIP.
Dagmara Cal Assef
October 12, 2018
My favorite actress.Always in my ❤
Jeannie Romersheuser
September 24, 2018
Sandra, Thanks for the innocent movies. It is so hard to see movies being produced ilike you made now a days. I named my daughterTami after Tammy tell me true.Sleep well. Miss you.
Jeanette Rader
September 3, 2018
Sandra was a beautiful, sparkling little doll. I idolized her. Rest in peace.
Kevin DCruze
August 19, 2018
Just heard Bobby Darin singing Dreamlover...what a lovely lady you were..RIP
Tom Scott
June 15, 2018
Gone to soon. The saddest part is there was never anybody that could take your place. Your in a better place now.
Lorraine Lopez
June 3, 2018
I am sitting here watching A Summer Place what a beautiful performance and such a beautiful girl we forget what we have list..god rest you Sandra Dee
April 5, 2018
Rest in peace Sandra. Now you and Bobby will be together through eternity.
Midge Henderson (Monroe,MI)
John
October 22, 2017
John carvell and may you rest in peace
Jeannie Vaughn
September 14, 2017
To a real class act, beautiful both inside and out.
Tami Plummer
August 25, 2017
Add your message Dear Dodd & Precious Family: I'm so sorry for loss of a beautiful, loving mom & grandmom. Most probably she & Bobby are together in God's arms. Dodd, please continue to develope everything you can to bring to us-the public-your dad's incredible, exceptional talents in every format of entertainment. AWESOME! Show us the enduring love your parents gave to each other -w/out embelishment. They deserve to be honored. RIP Beautiful Parents
Shirley Montgomery
July 6, 2017
I still love watching your movies! RIP!! We love you and we miss you!!
Ruby Wheeler
April 25, 2017
Loved Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin's on screen chemistry in all 3 films they were in together. Great performers. Sandra was my favorite of the "Gidgets".
Suzanne Appleton
April 8, 2017
We miss you Sandra Dee.....always loved you in the movies! You will forever be remembered!
Marcia Royal
March 29, 2017
I will never forget watching"A summer place". I was unwed and pregnant at the time- my mother knew by my reaction to the movie that something was wrong. I just loved you and troy Donahue. RIP beautiful lady.
Patti i
February 2, 2017
Both you and Bobby gone too soon. Hoping you are together again, and in peace. You are both missed and both admired by your enduring love for each other.
Shirley Patnode
January 13, 2017
Such a beautiful lady. I have read a few stories about her and Darin,and after all this time find it so interesting. Loved her in all her movies.I don't think she ever loved again after Bobby. May you rest in peace lovely lady.
Diane
November 27, 2016
The innocents and beauty of a unique young women.
sandra bryant
September 9, 2016
rest in peace, you and bobby together forever...the way it should be.love you
Daniel Vitangeli
August 19, 2016
love you,rip
May 27, 2016
Always remembered
Vicki Golden
February 24, 2016
Didn't know she passed away on my birthday. Loved her in Imitation of Life. I cry every time I see it. RIP
Lilly Katz
February 20, 2016
I 'grew up' with this lovely actress. I miss you!
February 19, 2016
Thinking of Dodd and family...
Susan Schooley
Kay Miller
January 6, 2016
I remember thinking when I was young girl of 14 that Sandra Dee in the original movie "Gidget" was just about the cutest girl ever and I, like so many others of my generation, wanted to BE her. She was so talented and more beloved that she realized apparently. After reading about her son and his tribute to her, I now realize she was just as beautiful on the inside and treated everyone on the movie sets with dignity and respect. I still watch her movies "Gidget" and "Immitation of Life". I am so grateful that she and I were of the same generation.
Gail Bryant
December 18, 2015
You were great in Imitation of Life with Lana aTurner, and Tammy and Gidget movies.Enjoyed your flms. RIP
brenda kiser
August 29, 2015
Ilove Sandra dee she was a. Beautiful young lady
Judy Lachner
June 13, 2015
I must have seen A Summer Place at least 9 times. I loved all of your movies and thought you were the most beautiful actress ever. The all American girl yet with so much heartache that we did not know existed. Thank you Sandra for the loving, wonderful and forgiving person you were. I can't imagine the world without you.
April 17, 2015
Still watching your movies,you were a natural beauty,condolences to your family.
Wendy Middleton
March 12, 2015
I will NEVER forget GIDGET. I was a young blond girl in the 1950's and 1960's, and lived on a beautiful beach in sunny southern California. I wanted to be YOU, cos my dad banned me from surfing with the neighborhood guys!!!
Harry Simpson
February 20, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Ben Delgado
February 2, 2015
I miss you, I loved you in your pictures. You were always so pleasant to look at . Have video clips I look at and feel sad.I know that where you are now is so much more radiant.
December 14, 2014
She was such a beautiful person! I loved all of her movies ! She had a hard life from childhood to adult it seemed. rest in peace sweet lady !
Tricia Wenlock
November 15, 2014
Loved you Sandra think of you often.
Jean Holzer
June 24, 2014
As I am watching "A Summer Place" filmed in 1959 I am reminded of just how beautiful she truly was. RIP pretty lady.
Tracy Pelton
May 1, 2014
Sandra gave us so many wonderful memories, when the world seemed innocent.
God bless you .
Elaine Rezendes
April 7, 2014
Growing up I loved Sandra Dee And still do. She & Bobby Darin Made good movies together.
yvette cote
March 17, 2014
Sandra was my role model, and I will never forget her as long as I live. I am 71.
Chris Wiater
February 23, 2014
I really liked Sandra Dee I will sorely miss her
Amy Mahoney
December 13, 2013
Sandra Dee will almost remain in our memories rest in peace we all will miss you. God Bless, The Mahoneys
Delia Fox
November 25, 2013
She was my favourite actress as a young woman i followed her movies around the UK
Jan Moschetti
October 5, 2013
I loved her like a sister! She will always be missed. Her movies always made me happy, and I watch them when they always are on TV. R.I.P. Sandy!! you are truly loved very much!
August 25, 2013
I always loved Sandra and always will she was one of the great ones of all times love her love Cynthia Betancourt of tucson arizona
sheryn newman
August 2, 2013
I always wanted to be her best girl friend. and live next door to her. R.I.P. Sandra we all love you and wanted to be you.....Love Sheryn
July 2, 2013
We people from the 50s will always remember you as a shining star in A Summer Place. Rest in peace, Sandra.
Octavio Pérez-Beato (Florida)
Rose Connolly
June 30, 2013
Sandra,,thinking of you
and your family, God Bless
you and keep you in safe
hands, Rose
Rose Connolly
June 30, 2013
I recently saw you again in Summer Place
and it was so wonderful..you will
always be in the hearts of your fans.
so sorry your life was so difficult.
miss you and love you, Rose In Sacramento, CA
Terry Kellington
May 19, 2013
First date with my High School girlfriend - the movie A Summer Place. Still haunts us when we hear Theme from a Summer Place. I was stricken by your beauty in the last interview with Sandra Dee videos.
Mary Krell
April 30, 2013
You were a shining star and you are missed.
Mary Krell, Phoenix AZ
Nazarene Mckinney
March 22, 2013
I loved Imitation of Life and A Summer's place. You brought sweetness and charm to all of your roles. May your family find peace in the promises of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sandra Stevens
March 15, 2013
Growing up I just loved watching her light up the tv with her bright smile. She graced us all and even still we can watch those old movies if we're lucky to find one and she lives on with us forever. Sandra E. Stevens
Richard Owen
March 2, 2013
To A Wonderful Actress, Ms. Dee, Rest In Peace. See You On The Other Side, Ma'am.
Lisa Weiner
February 25, 2013
To Sandra Dee,
You were a great actress. You great in the movies Gidget, and Tammy. My prayers go to your family. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
February 25, 2013
To Sandra Dee.
You were a great actress. I enjoyed watching you in the series Gidget. My prayers are with you and your family. Lisa Weiner
anna marie delpopolo
February 19, 2013
I loved you in all your movies, especially Gidget.Every friend of mine wanted to wear their like sandra dee. We just loved you. r.i.p.
Anna Marie Delpopolo
February 19, 2013
Stmpathies to all of Sandra Dees family. She was just adorable. Iloved her as Gidget. Rest in peace.,angel.
Anna Marie Delpopolo
February 19, 2013
deepest sympathy to sandys family. She was truly adorable. I will always remember her as Gidget. God Bless your family at this time of great loss. I enjoyed you in Summer Place. You will be sorely missesw. Rest in peace.
anna marie
February 19, 2013
Deepest sympathies to ms Dees family.She was so adorable. Rest well Gidget. You will be missed.
Nicole Gibson
February 17, 2013
My favorite movie of hers was imitation of life she was so beautiful she will be missed.
sheila barber
October 23, 2012
I loved all her movies about the river she was a beautiful person I also enjoyed her playing Gidget i grew up watching her in movies.
MARILYN BROGNIA
August 24, 2012
YOU WERE MY IDOL GROWING UP EVEN HAD THE SAME HAT YOU WORE IN A SUMMER PLACE.ALSO HAVE YOUR PHOTO WITH TROY DONAHUE ON MY DINING ROOM WALL.WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU.
April 28, 2012
Deepest Sympathy to Sandra Dee family. We loss a great actress and I enjoed all your movies. You will be missed and we will always remember you.
Rest In Peace,
God Bless You,
Mahoney Family
J Bateman
April 24, 2012
Sandra such a part of my teenage years. You were a wonderful guidepost of how a girl should be. Loved every movie you were ever in. We all wanted to wear our hair like you did and dress like you did.
My deepest sympathy to your family. RIP you are a bright shinning star !
Charles Morris
April 24, 2012
Sandra Dee epitomised the clean cut girl of the early 60,s.
For me she will always be that girl.
Tondalea Frazee
April 23, 2012
I adored Sandra Dee as far back as I can remember. She will be missed. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Warm Christian Love
April 23, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
NELLIE ROMAN
April 23, 2012
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY & FRIENDS...SHE WILL BE MISSED AND SHE WAS AN AMAZING MOVIE STAR....WE LOVE YOU GIDGET....
Becky Goodwin
April 23, 2012
Sandra,
We all loved you. You were the greatest of the greats!!!
Becky
Patty Fitzgerald
April 23, 2012
Sandy we have lost a good movie star r.i.p sandy my prayers go out to your family
Wayne Dupre
October 13, 2011
Oh Sandy, how we loved you so. We will miss your beautiful smiling face and your wonderful voice.God bless you and thank you for all that you gave us.
marilyn vailati
July 25, 2011
you are a shining star
Sonnie williams
April 10, 2011
Adorable Sandra Dee...I will forever miss you. I loved all of your movies,especially A Summer Place. You were a big part of my teenage years. My Deepest Sympathy to your family and friends.
s
pril 10,2011
Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas
March 14, 2011
Sandra Dee, remembered still~ the blond beauty who we grew up with in the 60's! Always Remembered! May Her Memory Be Eternal!
Pat Higgins
February 11, 2011
Sandra Dee was an important part of my growing up. My favorite was "A Summer Place". I loved her in so many movies and the world will shine a little less brightly without her.
Showing 1 - 100 of 718 results
Make a Donation
in Sandra Dee's name
How to support Sandra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sandra Dee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored