In the backdrop of life’s uncertainties, a renowned actress transformed a personal tragedy into a mission of supporting others. This actress, celebrated for her role as a Pink Lady in the iconic film “Grease,” faced an immeasurable loss that reshaped her life’s path.
The actress encountered profound grief when her son passed away unexpectedly. This unimaginable loss served as a catalyst, defining her choices and paths beyond the silver screen.
Life had not always been smooth sailing for her. Born into a family rooted in the arts, with an actress mother and screenwriter father, she was raised in Malibu. These surroundings and her upbringing instilled in her aspirations to act, despite initial struggles with confidence during her formative years at Santa Monica High School.
Reflecting on those early days, she once shared, “Mother was so damned good that I was defeated even before I started to be an actress.” The weight of her mother’s legacy drove her to pursue structured training, following her mother’s footsteps through the prestigious Actors Studio in New York.
This journey was not without its hurdles. However, determined to carve her niche, she overcame these doubts. “Finally, I told myself, ‘So what if I fail? I can always go back to Soap.’” Her perseverance eventually bore fruit. In 1980, she was honored with a Tony Award for her performance in “I Ought to Be in Pictures,” a role she reprised for the film adaptation two years later.
Their television screens were graced by her talent, capturing memorable performances in hit sitcoms like “Soap” and “Empty Nest,” punctuated with roles in TV movies like “Raid on Entebbe” and “Babies.”

Her cinematic legacy was marked by her portrayal of Marty Maraschino in “Grease,” further embellished by roles in “Ordinary People” and “Child’s Play.”
Beyond the camera’s view, her personal life experienced transformative evolution. A marriage with Jean-Marc Joubert began in 1980 but concluded in 1985. Later, she found lasting love with Arthur Mortell in 1997, welcoming their family’s first son, Dashiell, the same year. Their family further expanded with twin sons, Desi and Oliver, born in 2002.
With her growing family, she decided to nurture her children away from Hollywood’s glare. Choosing a tranquil life, the couple relocated to Bainbridge Island, exchanging Hollywood’s whirlwind for the peace of raising their boys.
However, tragedy struck in 2017. At just 19, Dashiell’s life was cut short in an automobile accident while commuting back to Washington State University, leaving his family in profound grief.
Dashiell’s vehicle, occupied by him and four others, unexpectedly collided with another car, rolling onto its side before being struck by a pickup truck, as reported by the Washington State Patrol.
He was a much-loved figure in his community, leaving behind a trail of fond memories. Childhood friend Skylar Welch reminisced, “I loved Dashiell so much. He felt like a brother,” expressing the void left by his untimely departure.
His parents, Dinah Manoff and Arthur, mourned deeply, cherishing memories of their son, especially the meaningful moments of a recent Christmas together before his tragic return to college.
“Dashiell’s greatest passion in life was bringing laughter and happiness to the people he loved,” they shared, spotlighting his lasting influence.
In the face of such heartbreaking loss, Dinah found a new purpose. The painful journey propelled her towards a path of connection and instruction. Finding comfort in teaching, she said, “After Dashiell died, I was in so much pain and grief that I felt the only people I could be around were people who were also suffering.” She directed her energy into teaching acting at Bainbridge Performing Arts and later at Purdy Corrections Center for Women.
“I really fell in love with teaching,” she revealed. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is my calling.’ I love being able to help people express themselves in ways they didn’t know they were able to, and find their creative juices.”

Dinah saw acting as an avenue for empowerment and healing. By integrating improvisation into her curriculum, she unearthed new voices, particularly among incarcerated women, showing that even amid hardship, creativity thrives.
Her engagement with Purdy began after witnessing a production by her friend, Robin Lynn Smith, at Seattle’s Freehold Theatre. Inspired by the potential she saw, Dinah supported a project proposing an eight-week acting course at Purdy’s High School 21.
Her parents, Lee Grant and Arnold Manoff, may have initially imbued her with the arts, but Dinah found a therapeutic outlet in facilitating joy and creativity for incarcerated women, stepping away from her grief, if only temporarily.

Her dedication extended to her personal life, celebrating a milestone 25th wedding anniversary in 2023 with Arthur. Her social media tribute encapsulated their shared journey and partnership, “Thank you, darling husband, for every moment of every hour of every day since we met.”
Through family bonds, personal contributions, and cherished memories, she continues to inspire. Supporters shower her with love, acknowledging her as an “icon,” appreciating her enduring beauty, and noting her positive impact.
In Dinah’s story lies the legacy of channeling deep personal grief into a force for good. Her life’s tapestry, interwoven with family love and a commitment to uplift others, continues to brighten the lives she touches.
While Dinah’s journey celebrates overcoming adversities through love and purpose, it also embodies the resilience and hope that lie in human stories.