Conny Van Dyke was an actress and singer who signed with Motown Records and is known for films such as “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings” and “Framed.”
- Died: November 11, 2023 (Who else died on November 11?)
- Details of death: Died in Los Angeles of complications of vascular dementia at the age of 78.
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Conny Van Dyke’s legacy
Van Dyke got her start in celebrity at an early age, modeling at age 15 and appearing in her first film, “Among the Thorns.” As a teen, she also worked as a songwriter with Wheelsville Records in Detroit. In 1961, she became one of the first white artists to sign with Motown Records. Two years later, she released the single “Oh, Freddy,” written by Smokey Robinson, backed with “It Hurt Me Too,” by Marvin Gaye (1939–1984).
By the late 1960s and into the ‘70s, Van Dyke had picked up more acting roles. In 1969, she starred in the motorcycle thriller “Hell’s Angels ’69.” That same year, she appeared in episodes of “Ironside” and “Adam-12.” In 1975, she took what is perhaps her best-known role, starring alongside Burt Reynolds (1936–2018) in “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings.” That same year, she also had a lead role in the crime drama “Framed.”
During her career, Van Dyke also appeared in such shows as “C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Cold Case,” and “Barbary Coast.” She also released two albums, “Conny Van Dyke” and “Conny Van Dyke Sings for You.” She retired from entertainment in 2008 following a stroke.
Tributes to Conny Van Dyke
Full obituary: Variety
