One Life To Live Alum, Arlene Dahl, Lorenzo Lamas’s Mom, Dies At 96

Arlene Dahl, star of screen and stage, but known to soap fans for her run as Lucinda on One Life to Live from 1983-84, has passed away. She was 96.

In Memoriam: Arlene Dahl

Dahl was the mother of actor Lorenzo Lamas (ex-Lance, Falcon Crest; ex-Hector, The Bold and the Beautiful). “Mom passed away this morning in New York,” Lamas posted on his various social media platforms. “She was the most positive influence on my life. I will remember her laughter, her joy, her dignity as she navigated the challenges that she faced. Never an ill word about anyone crossed her lips.

“Her ability to forgive left me speechless at times,” Lamas continued. “She truly was a force of nature and as we got closer in my adult life, I leaned on her more and more as my life counselor and the person I knew that lived and loved to the fullest. My sympathies go to her loving husband [Marc Rosen] who, for the last 37 years, made her life so wonderful and joyous. Love you mom forever ♥️ #ArleneDahl #Moviestar #legend #mom #RIP.”

Born on August 12, 1926, Dahl first worked as a model and in theater before moving to Los Angeles in 1946. She became a contract player at Warner Bros. and also worked for MGM. Her screen credits include The Bride Goes Wild, which starred Van Johnson and June Allyson, Reign of Terror, Three Little Worlds, Woman’s World, and Journey to the Center of the Earth. She appeared in the film Jamaica Run, which starred Fernando Lamas (Lorenzo’s father), who she would go on to marry.

Arlene Dahl’s Soap Opera Life

In 1960, Dahl was awarded a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. On stage, she starred in Applause, the musical based on the film All About Eve, playing the part of Margo — brought to life on the big screen by Bette Davis. Janice Lynde (ex-Leslie, The Young and the Restless) starred opposite Dahl as Eve. Dahl also amassed many TV credits throughout her career, appearing on such series as Burke’s Law (playing multiple characters over several episodes), Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, The Love Boat, and Fantasy Island.

The actress played Mimi King’s (Kristin Meadows) mother, Lucinda Schenk on One Life to Live from 1983-84. After OLTL, Dahl appeared briefly as Lady Lucille on All My Children in 1995. Her last two credits were appearances on her son Lorenzo Lamas’s series Renegade and Air America. Her grandson A.J. Lamas continued his grandmother’s tradition of appearing on daytime during his stint as Rafael Ortega on As the World Turns.

Outside Acting Ventures

In addition to acting, Dahl worked as a beauty writer and cosmetics executive. She founded Arlene Dahl Enterprises in the mid-1950s. Her company sold cosmetics and lingerie. She was married six times throughout her life. Dahl wed Marc Rosen in 1984 and they remained wed until her death. Arlene Dahl is survived by Rosen, Lamas, two other children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Soap Hub sends deep sympathies to Alene Dahl’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.