It Seems Like Yesterday

Hard to find the words to describe Dina Merrill. Her incredible beauty took your breath away, and she was privileged on both sides of her family. Yet she was completely down-to-earth and so accessible that

you immediately felt at ease upon meeting her for the first time.

Over the years, Gigi and I saw her from time to time in Palm Beach as she was full of fun, and of course she was invited everywhere. It didn’t seem to faze her that she no longer lived at Mar-a-Lago, her home growing up. In 1973, her mother donated the incredible 128-room-estate to the U.S. government to be used as the “Winter White House,” but you already knew that.

Like most people, whether they admit it or not, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a movie star. And that she did, appearing in countless films and television shows over the years.

In 1992, when photographing Dina Merrill to celebrate the 4th of July, she was amused by my suggestion and happily wrapped herself in an American flag. Thirty two years have passed since that photograph was taken. So much has changed.

That day, we both knew the result was meant to invoke “Happy 4th of July” and it still is.

Dina Merrill wrapped in the American flag in 1992 to celebrate the 4th of July. Photographed by Harry Benson.