Brief Introduction of Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon, born Samille Diane Friesen, is an acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and editor whose extensive career spans over six decades. Known for her vibrant screen presence and versatility, Cannon has made significant contributions to both film and television, solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in films like Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) and Heaven Can Wait (1978), earning multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Beyond acting, Dyan Cannon has also ventured into directing, writing, and producing, notably becoming the first woman in Motion Picture Academy history to receive Oscar nominations for her work both in front of and behind the camera. Her remarkable journey from a beauty queen in Tacoma, Washington, to an accomplished figure in entertainment, including her marriage to legendary actor Cary Grant, has made her a captivating subject in the annals of cinema history.
Dyan Cannon Overview
| Full Name | Samille Diane Friesen |
|---|---|
| Known As | Dyan Cannon |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1937 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 88 years old |
| Birthplace | Tacoma, Washington, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) or 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Profession | Actress, Filmmaker, Editor, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Spouses | Cary Grant (m. 1965; div. 1968), Stanley Fimberg (m. 1985; div. 1991) |
| Children | Jennifer Grant |
| Parents | Claire (née Portnoy) and Ben Friesen |
| Brother | David Friesen (jazz musician) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $16 million (as of 2023) |
| Accolades | Golden Globe Award, Saturn Award, 3 Academy Award nominations, Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
Early Life and Education of Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon was born Samille Diane Friesen on January 4, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington. Her mother, Claire (née Portnoy), was a homemaker who had immigrated from Ukraine (or Russia) and raised her children in the Jewish faith. Her father, Ben Friesen, was a life insurance salesman and a Mennonite of Dutch-Canadian ancestry (or Baptist). She has a younger brother, David Friesen, who later became a jazz musician.
Cannon spent her early years in Seattle, where she attended West Seattle High School. During her high school years, she was crowned Miss West Seattle in 1954 (or 1955). This early exposure to the public eye as a beauty queen foreshadowed her future in entertainment. After high school, Cannon briefly pursued higher education, spending two-and-a-half semesters at the University of Washington, where she majored in anthropology before dropping out.
In 1956, Dyan Cannon moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to live with her aunt and took a job at Merrill Lynch & Co.. She later became engaged and followed her fiancé to Beverly Hills, California. Although the engagement ended, she decided to stay in the area and enrolled at UCLA. It was a part-time modeling job that ultimately led her to an interview with producer Jerry Wald. Wald suggested she change her professional last name to “Cannon,” and she subsequently signed a contract with MGM, engaging in promotional work for films and studying with renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner.
Dyan Cannon’s Career
The career of Dyan Cannon, a prominent American actress and filmmaker, began in the late 1950s and has since spanned over six decades, showcasing her talent and versatility in numerous roles. Her initial appearances were primarily on television, with her debut in 1958 and guest spots on shows like Bat Masterson in 1959 and Wanted: Dead or Alive. She also appeared in Westerns such as Johnny Ringo and Stoney Burke.
Cannon made her feature film debut in 1960 in The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond, playing the role of Wiggles. Following this, she ventured into Broadway, appearing alongside Jane Fonda in The Fun Couple in 1962 and later touring with the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She also had a regular role on the TV soap opera Full Circle.
Her career trajectory shifted significantly after she met and married Cary Grant, leading to a temporary hiatus from acting. However, after her divorce in 1968, Dyan Cannon made a powerful return to the screen. Her breakthrough role came in 1969 with the acclaimed sex comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, where she portrayed Alice. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe nomination. This success launched her into a series of prominent roles throughout the 1970s.
The 1970s proved to be Cannon’s most active period as an actress. She starred in four films in 1971, including The Love Machine, Such Good Friends (for which she received another Golden Globe nomination), and The Anderson Tapes. In 1973, she co-starred with Burt Reynolds in Shamus and played an agent in The Last of Sheila, earning her the title of “Actress of the Year” from the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Beyond her acting prowess, Cannon also made significant strides behind the camera. In 1976, she wrote, directed, produced, and edited the short film Number One, a project sponsored by the American Film Institute. This film, which explored adolescent sexual curiosity, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film, making her the first Oscar-nominated actress to receive a nomination in this category.
In 1978, she co-starred in Revenge of the Pink Panther and delivered a critically acclaimed performance in Heaven Can Wait, for which she received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Her filmography also includes Honeysuckle Rose (1980), Deathtrap (1982) with Michael Caine, and Author! Author! (1982) with Al Pacino.
Dyan Cannon made her feature directorial debut with the 1990 semi-autobiographical drama The End of Innocence, which she also wrote and starred in. From 1997 to 2000, she played a recurring role on the popular legal series Ally McBeal. Her recent work includes executive producing the 2023 miniseries Archie, based on her memoir Dear Cary. Dyan Cannon’s ability to seamlessly transition between acting, directing, writing, and producing highlights her enduring impact on Hollywood.
Dyan Cannon Personal Life & Family
Dyan Cannon’s personal life has been a subject of considerable public interest, particularly her high-profile marriage to legendary actor Cary Grant. Their relationship began in 1961 when Cannon started dating Grant, who was 33 years her senior. They married on July 22, 1965, in Las Vegas. On February 26, 1966, they welcomed their only child, a daughter named Jennifer Grant, who later followed in her parents’ footsteps to become an actress. Jennifer is Cary Grant’s only child.
However, their marriage was short-lived, with Cannon filing for divorce in September 1967, which was finalized on March 21, 1968. The divorce was reportedly acrimonious, with Cannon later revealing in her memoir that she had been “blinded by this completely idyllic world” but then experienced the “much harsher private side” of Grant, including his violent temper and controlling nature. Grant’s frequent use of LSD during their marriage was also a factor in its demise, as Cannon recalled him claiming it helped him cope with his difficult past. Despite the difficulties, Cannon has expressed gratitude for the marriage, stating she learned a lot from him and that they became friends again for their daughter’s sake. In 2011, she published her bestselling memoir, Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant, offering an intimate look into their complex relationship.
Dyan Cannon married a second time on April 18, 1985, to lawyer-turned-real estate investor Stanley Fimberg. They divorced in 1991, but Cannon stated in 2024 that they remain friendly. She was also romantically linked to various industry figures, including director Jerry Schatzberg, Armand Assante, and Johnny Carson.
Regarding her beliefs, Cannon was raised in her mother’s Jewish faith. Later in life, she converted to Christianity and identifies as spiritual. Cannon is also known for being a passionate fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and is often seen at their games. Her personal experiences, including her marriages and motherhood, have influenced her work, particularly her semi-autobiographical film The End of Innocence.
Awards and Achievements of Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon’s illustrious career has been marked by numerous awards, nominations, and significant achievements, cementing her status as a respected figure in Hollywood. Her accolades include:
Academy Award Nominations:
Best Supporting Actress for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969)
Best Live Action Short Film as producer of Number One (1976)
Best Supporting Actress for Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Golden Globe Awards:
Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Golden Globe Award Nominations:
Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969)
Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for Such Good Friends (1971)
Saturn Award:
Best Supporting Actress for Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Hollywood Walk of Fame:
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 22, 1983, recognizing her contributions to motion pictures.
Industry Recognitions:
Named Female Star of the Year by the National Association of Theatre Owners in 1973.
Named Female Star of the Year by the Hollywood Women’s Press Club in 1979.
Groundbreaking Achievement:
She became the first Oscar-nominated actress to be nominated in the Best Short Film, Live Action category for Number One (1976), a project she produced, directed, wrote, and edited. This made her the first woman in Motion Picture Academy history to receive Oscar nominations for work both in front of and behind the camera.
These awards and honors underscore Dyan Cannon’s consistent talent and her profound impact on the film industry, both as an actress and a filmmaker.
Dyan Cannon Net Worth and Income
As of 2023, Dyan Cannon’s net worth is estimated to be $16 million. Her wealth has been accumulated through her extensive and successful career spanning over six decades in the entertainment industry.
Dyan Cannon’s primary income sources stem from her diverse roles as an actress in film and television, where she has starred in numerous commercially successful and critically acclaimed productions. Key films like Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Heaven Can Wait, Such Good Friends, The Last of Sheila, and her recurring role in the TV series Ally McBeal have contributed significantly to her earnings.
In addition to her acting roles, Cannon has expanded her income streams through her work as a filmmaker. Her ventures into directing, writing, and producing, particularly with projects like the Oscar-nominated short film Number One and her semi-autobiographical feature The End of Innocence, represent additional revenue channels. Furthermore, her bestselling memoir, Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant, published in 2011, and her role as an executive producer for the 2023 miniseries Archie based on the book, have also added to her financial portfolio.
Her consistent presence in Hollywood, combined with her multifaceted talents, has ensured a sustained income throughout her long and active career.
Legacy and Influence
Dyan Cannon’s legacy in Hollywood is multifaceted, built on her vibrant personality, versatile acting, and pioneering efforts as a filmmaker. She is celebrated for her ability to infuse both comedic and dramatic roles with a unique blend of sass, vulnerability, and intelligence, making her a distinctive presence on screen. Her performances in films like Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and Heaven Can Wait are considered iconic, showcasing her range and earning her critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.
Beyond her captivating acting, Cannon holds a significant place in film history for her groundbreaking achievements behind the camera. She became the first Oscar-nominated actress to also receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for Number One (1976), a project she wrote, directed, produced, and edited. This accomplishment broke barriers and paved the way for other women in the industry to explore roles beyond acting, highlighting her influence as an early female hyphenate in Hollywood.
Dyan Cannon’s impact extends to her public image, characterized by her enduring charm and resilience. Her personal life, particularly her marriage to Cary Grant and their subsequent divorce, has made her a subject of fascination, which she candidly explored in her bestselling memoir, Dear Cary. This transparency, coupled with her continued presence in the industry, has maintained her relevance and inspired future generations. She is known for balancing a successful film career with motherhood, a journey that has likely informed her portrayals of complex female characters.
Socially, Dyan Cannon has used her platform to engage in discussions about personal growth and spirituality, identifying as spiritual rather than religious and embracing Christianity later in life. Her openness about her experiences, including past challenges and her journey of healing, has resonated with many. Her contributions to film, her trailblazing efforts as a director and producer, and her enduring public persona ensure Dyan Cannon remains a significant and respected figure in entertainment.
Interesting Facts about Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon’s life and career are filled with intriguing details that highlight her unique personality and journey in Hollywood:
Original Name: Dyan Cannon was born Samille Diane Friesen. The change to “Dyan Cannon” was suggested by producer Jerry Wald when she first entered the industry.
Beauty Queen Background: Before her acting career took off, she was crowned Miss West Seattle in 1954 (or 1955).
Early Career Detour: After dropping out of the University of Washington, Dyan Cannon worked at Merrill Lynch in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Age Difference with Cary Grant: Her marriage to Cary Grant garnered significant attention due to their 33-year age difference; she was 28 and he was 61 when they married.
”Frosty” Nickname: While growing up in Seattle, she earned the nickname “Frosty” in high school for giving amorous boys the “cold shoulder”.
First Oscar-Nominated Actress to Direct: She holds the distinction of being the first Oscar-nominated actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for her directorial, writing, producing, and editing work on Number One (1976).
Hollywood’s Beloved Lakers Fan: Dyan Cannon is a well-known and passionate fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, frequently seen courtside at their games.
Primal Scream Therapy: Cannon has been open about her past involvement with primal scream therapy.
Memoir and Adaptation: Her 2011 memoir, Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant, became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into the 2023 miniseries Archie, on which Cannon served as an executive producer.
White House Incident: In 2025, Cannon made headlines when she was denied entry to the White House due to a discrepancy on her passport regarding her age, which she admitted to having lied about years ago.
Controversies
Dyan Cannon’s career and personal life have seen some challenges and public scrutiny, particularly concerning her marriage to Cary Grant. The divorce from Cary Grant in 1968 was reportedly acrimonious and garnered significant media attention. During the divorce proceedings, there were reports of Grant’s controlling nature and violent temper, with Cannon later describing experiencing his “much harsher private side”. Cannon also revealed that Grant’s frequent use of the psychedelic drug LSD was a factor in the breakdown of their marriage, as he claimed it helped him cope with his difficult past. These revelations painted a complex picture of their relationship, contrasting with Grant’s public persona.
More recently, in August 2025, Dyan Cannon made headlines when she was denied entry into the White House during a planned tour with friends. The incident occurred because of an age discrepancy on her passport. Cannon openly admitted in a social media video that she had “lied about [her] age on [her] passport” years prior, leading to a “false statement” that prevented her from entering. She humorously dismissed the importance of age, stating, “It’s nobody’s business what the number is they’ve pinned on me… it’s just a blinkin number”. This event, while lighthearted in her telling, highlighted a minor bureaucratic challenge rooted in a past personal choice.
Social Media Presence
Dyan Cannon maintains an active presence on social media platforms, allowing her to connect with her audience and share aspects of her life and career. While specific, up-to-the-minute follower counts can fluctuate, her engagement can primarily be observed on:
Instagram: Dyan Cannon uses Instagram to post updates, personal reflections, and interact with fans. She often shares photos and videos, including those related to her work and personal anecdotes, such as the White House incident.
Twitter/X: While not as frequently updated as Instagram, she maintains a presence, often sharing news or insights relevant to her career.
YouTube: Content featuring Dyan Cannon, including interviews, film clips, and biographical summaries, can be found on YouTube channels, though her direct involvement in managing a personal YouTube channel for vlogging is less prominent.
Her social media activity provides a glimpse into her ongoing life and allows her to engage directly with the public, share her perspectives, and promote her projects.
Final Words about Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon remains an enduring and captivating figure in Hollywood, her career a testament to resilience, talent, and versatility. At 88 years old (as of August 2025), she continues to be an active presence, influencing the entertainment landscape through her past work and new projects. Her legacy is firmly cemented by a remarkable filmography that spans comedies, dramas, and thrillers, earning her three Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond her acting achievements, Cannon’s pioneering spirit as a filmmaker, being the first Oscar-nominated actress to also receive a nomination for directing, underscores her significant impact on breaking barriers for women in Hollywood. Her personal journey, including her candid reflections on her marriage to Cary Grant in her bestselling memoir Dear Cary, has offered valuable insights into the complexities of fame and relationships, enriching her public persona.
Currently, Dyan Cannon continues to engage with her audience through social media, sharing her experiences and maintaining her characteristic charm. Her involvement as an executive producer for the 2023 miniseries Archie* demonstrates her ongoing connection to her past and her willingness to contribute to new storytelling endeavors. As a celebrated actress, trailblazing director, and a woman who has navigated life with both grace and humor, Dyan Cannon’s influence and fascinating story continue to resonate, securing her place as a true Hollywood icon for generations to come. Her enduring charm and spirited approach to life and work suggest that her legacy will only continue to grow.
