User:Melanie Gendron

Melanie Gendron: Yucaipa, California, United States Occupation: Actor, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Performer Years active: 1993–present Official website: www.melaniegendroninc.com

Melanie Gendron (born September 23rd) is an American actor, screenwriter, writer, songwriter, performer, and independent producer. Melanie's best-known character is "Dottie Dexter", who is a fun-loving, peace & love orientated gal, whose wacky persona & persevering spirit attracts people of all ages, & allows everyone to see the potential & greatness in their own lives. Dottie Dexter currently has stage, feature film, and television projects in the works.

Early Life:

Melanie was born Melanie A. Gendron in Yucaipa, California. Her father, Lucien was a banker, and her mother, Mary, was a popular school teacher. Originally starting out in dance, and then fashion modeling at 16, Melanie graduated from the University of San Diego, signed with a modeling Rep., moved to New York City, and added health & fitness to her endeavors, becoming a dance orientated fitness expert in New York, South America, and California.

Career:

A longtime Buddhist & vegetarian, (now vegan), and great animal lover, Melanie has created entertainment & business projects that cater to promoting peace & love, health & fitness, & honoring the greatness of all beings. Melanie has worked to create a body of work, from stageplays adapted from her original screenplays, to soundtracks, to books, to expanding her character, Dottie Dexter, to multiple business and entertainment projects.

Dottie Dexter:

Dottie Dexter was created by Melanie Gendron, from an original comedy fitness video that she starred in & produced, playing various characters through the decades. Paramount Studios loved the character & there was talks to add Dottie Dexter to a syndicated television show. When the show was not renewed (prior to Dottie Dexter coming on), Melanie was excited because of all the unlimited possibilities ahead for Dottie Dexter. From her signature colorful attire, funky hats, sparkling glasses, singular curler in her hair, to her "talkative" joyful spirit & unexpected bursts of song, Dottie Dexter looks for the best, no matter the obstacle.

Dottie Dexter is an extension of Melanie's fitness background. Dottie Dexter is a hometown fitness "Guru" to some wacky locals who hears about a television opportunity in Hollywood, where she may have a blood relative connection. Perfect! With heart, tenicity, and unbridled determination Dottie Dexter sets into motion her "unique" perseverance amidst the odds to achieve her dream.

The Dottie Dexter character is a persona that Melanie has incorporated into many of her creative and business projects. With a new one person stage show in early 2010, original feature films in the works, as well as television, commercial endeavors & merchandising, it's an enciting time for Dottie Dexter.

Personal Life:

Melanie lives in Santa Monica, Ca. where she owns the Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tours, a business that promotes health & fitness through walking, while honoring the greatness of what's around you. Santa Monica, California has one of the greatest cities by the beach. Melanie lives with a loving cat at the moment, & after her treasured Collie Shepherd died, she is now looking for her next animal shelter rescue dog.

Causes:

Melanie had a major bout after a blocked kidney was diagnosed. She supports organ donation, the National Kidney Foundation's efforts, and promotes regular health check ups and blood tests to support early detection. Aiding the homeless, animal causes, and promoting animal shelter adoptions, as well as Special Olympics (where Melanie was volunteer coordinator for years), are her personal causes.