Trivia

Orphaned at age 9, after her father died in WWI and her mother died of tuberculosis. She was adopted by director Cecil B. DeMille and his wife, Constance Adams. Her birth name was Katherine Lester.

When DeMille and Anthony Quinn lived across from comedian W.C. Fields, the DeMille's firstborn son wandered across the street and tragically drowned at age 3 in Fields' shallow reflecting pool.

In 1953, she accepted the Oscar for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role" on behalf of her husband (Anthony Quinn), who was not present at the awards ceremony. That was the same ceremony where her father won the Academy Award for Best Picture for The Greatest Show on Earth (1952).

The only child of Cecil B. DeMille to pursue an acting career.

Attended the New York premiere of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with her husband Anthony Quinn, who starred in the film.

Tended to be cast in sullen or angry roles.

One of the six "Paramount Proteges" of 1935. The others were Wendy Barrie, Grace Bradley, Gertrude Michael, Gail Patrick, and Ann Sheridan.

Of Italian descent, through her mother, Cecile Bianca Bertha Colani.

Sister of Cecilia de Mille, John de Mille, and Richard de Mille.

Cousin of Agnes de Mille.

Her favorite sports included sailing, riding, and swimming.

Granddaughter of Henry C. DeMille and Beatrice DeMille.

She met actor Richard Cromwell on the set of her father's film This Day and Age (1933). He wrote a magazine article about her, "DeMille the Second," for The New Movie Magazine.

She studied piano and sculpturing before deciding to pursue a career as an actress. Her first film appearance was an extra in a Frank Tuttle film in 1928.

Her hobbies included sculpturing, architecture, and music.

Appeared in two of her father's films: The Crusades (1935) and Unconquered (1947).

Appeared in two films nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: Viva Villa! (1934) and Romeo and Juliet (1936).

Played Native American women in Ramona (1936), Black Gold (1947), and Unconquered (1947).

Played Hispanic (Mexican or Spanish) women in Viva Villa! (1934), The Trumpet Blows (1934), The Californian (1937), Love Under Fire (1937), Blockade (1938), and In Old Caliente (1939).

Was originally announced for the leading lady role in The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935), which was eventually given to Kathleen Burke.

In 1935, she appeared in advertisements for Talon fasteners.

Her maternal grandfather, Johann Colani, was an architect.

Mother of Valentina Quinn.

Niece of William C. de Mille.