Marjorie Ellen Pivonka Mahoney Dusay
Springfield Presence
Alexandra Spaulding (1993 to 1996, 1998 to 1999; December 2002 to Present)
At a Glance
A daytime favorite, Ms. Dusay has appeared on such daytime dramas as Santa Barbara (1987-1988) and Capitol (1983-1986), but she is best known to daytime audiences for her portrayal from 1993-1997 and again in 1998 of Alexandra Spaulding on Guiding Light. In 1995, it was this role that garnered her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress.
Marj Dusay, born Marjorie Ellen Pivonka Mahoney in Russell, Kansas, began her career in the ground-breaking, L.A. based improvisational comedy group, The Session, with Rob Reiner and Richard Dreyfuss. Her motion picture debut was with Elvis Presley in Clam Bake. Her other feature film credits include MacArthur, Breezy, Made in Heaven, Love Walked In and Sweet November.
Along with being accomplished on the stage, this prolific actress has had lead roles in such series as Facts of Life, Sons and Daughters, Bret Maverick, Studio 5-B and Cliff Hangers. She has also guest-starred in over 150 television series, including WKRP in Cincinnati, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Heat of the Night, Perfect Strangers, Murder, She Wrote, Dallas and Star Trek. Her television work also includes miniseries credits, Daughters of Privilege, Wheels and Fire in the Sky.
Ms. Dusay served as the Kansas Film Commissioner from 1984-98 and is still active in the organization's efforts to bring the film world to her home state of Kansas. An avid golfer, she resides in Manhattan and is the mother of actress Deborah Dusay Blocker and the late Randall Dusay, who died of AIDS in 1993; and grandmother to Deena Randall.
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
All My Children
Vanessa Bennett
February 4th, 1999 to October 17th, 2002
Days of our Lives
Vivian Alamain
1993
Guiding Light
Alexandra Spaulding
1993 to 1996, 1998 to 1999, December 2002 to Present
Capitol
Myrna Clegg
1983 to 1987
The Facts of Life
Monica Warner 1985
For a complete listing of Ms. Dusay's television appearances, click here.
Acting Portfolio
FILM
A Chronicle of Corpses
Grandmother Elliot
2000
Love Walked In
Mrs. Moore
1998
Made in Heaven
Mrs. Packert
1987
Pendulum
Liz Tennant
1968
Clambake
Waitress
1967
Awards & Acclaim
Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actress (Alexandra Spaulding, Guiding Light 1995)
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actress (Vanessa Bennett, All My Children 2003)
Vital Statistics
BIRTHPLACE: Russell, Kansas
BIRTHDATE: February 20th, 1936
News Archives
News Archive:
Report says Dusay could exit AMC in 2002. [Dec 3rd, 2001]
News Archive: Despite exit rumors, Dusay re-signs with AMC. [Dec 10th, 2001]
News Archive: Dusay exit rumors resurface. [Jan 28th, 2002]
News Archive: Statement issued confirming Dusay's done at AMC. [Sep 9th, 2002]
News Archive: Joan Collins out, Marj Dusay in as GL's Alex. [Nov 25th, 2002]
News Archive: CBS extends Dusay's run as Alex. [Feb 2nd, 2003]
News Archive: Firings continue, Dusay bucks recurring trend. [Jun 20th, 2005]
News Archive: Dusay changes mind, will recur on GL. [Sep 12th, 2005]