Dana Gillespie was born March 30th, 1949, in London, England, the daughter of Baron De Winterstein Gillespie. Horror fans most likely know her best from her appearance the 1968 Hammer film "The Lost Continent," and especially 1977's "The People That Time Forgot." While not her first film, "The Lost Continent" was Dana's first big splash in the world of cinema, playing Sarah, a native girl from the Bermuda Triangle area who comes to aid of the somewhat less than innocent passengers of the hurricane-whipped vessel "Corita." While the film is often thought of as a monster movie, and there, indeed, are a few monsters involved, the film is actually more of an intrigue/adventure picture. Dana's most famous movie, 1977's "The People That Time Forgot," found her in the role of Ajar, a native girl from prehistory. Directed by Kevin Connor the film is the sequel to "The Land That Time Forgot."
Yes, Dana appeared in these, and several other films, including a remake of "The Hound Of The Baskervilles," co-starring Dudley Moore. In one scene, Dudley had the good fortune to have his head buried deep within Dana's awe-inspiring ample cleavage. What most fans of these movies don't realize is that, prior to her movie career, as a teenager, Dana was a folk singer, and one time girlfriend of one Bob Dylan. Her 1966 Pop hit "Thank You Boy" was produced by then-Yardbird/future founder of a little combo called Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page. As a result of the relative success of that song, Dana appeared on popular teen music shows of the time, and that is what led to her acting roles. Prior to all of this, Dana was the British Junior Water Skiing champion for four straight years, until she was sidelined by an injury.
In between acting work, Dana made some recordings with David Bowie, appearing on "Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars." Dana and Bowie were both represented (at the time) by the same manager, and David produced some of Dana's tracks such as "Andy Warhol," and "Mother, Don't Be Frightened," which appeared on her 1974 album "Weren't Born A Man." I've included a photo of the cover to her single for "Andy Warhol," and, as I'm sure you'll agree, it seems clear that Dana was all woman. In fact, as she and Bowie became fast friends, and co-workers, Angela Bowie, David's wife at the time, was more than a bit jealous of Dana.
While her acting work seems to have overshadowed her other accomplishments, the truth is that Dana Gillespie is a world-renowned Blues belter as good as any there's ever been. She's released several universally acclaimed recordings, often with her London Blues Band, that belong in any self-professed Blues aficianado's collection. In more recent years, Dana has been involved with yet another musical genre, Indian music, recording sort of pseudonymously as Third Man.
Sure, Horror/Fantasy film buffs remember her as the bosomy bombshell in the barely there outfits. Who wouldn't? But, Dana Gillespie is one remarkable and multi-talented individual, and I think she's awesome.
- The BONE JANGLER
For more information on Dana Gillespie, check out http://www.dana-gillespie.com.
And, as always, The Bone Jangler's official website can be found at http://www.thebonejangler.com.
