Denise DuBarry (March 6, 1956 – March 23, 2019) was an American actress, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She became known in television and film during the 1970s and 1980s and later moved into business, where she co‑founded a consumer products and direct‑marketing company. Her career combined creative work on screen with executive leadership and charitable involvement.
Career and screen roles
DuBarry began her public career as an actress, appearing in television series and feature films. Among her better known roles was nurse Lieutenant Samantha Green on the wartime series Black Sheep Squadron (also known as Baa Baa Black Sheep), which brought her regular exposure on network television. She also appeared in the film Being There, a well‑known 1979 satirical drama, credited in a supporting part. Over time her on‑screen work included guest appearances, supporting roles and occasional production credits, illustrating a transition from performer to creative producer.
Business and entrepreneurship
In the early 1990s DuBarry helped found Thane International, Inc., a company active in direct‑to‑consumer marketing and product development. She served as Chief Creative Officer for fifteen years (1990–2005), a period during which the company expanded its infomercial and product lines. Her work there combined creative direction, brand development and the practical demands of consumer marketing, reflecting a shift from entertainment to business leadership.
Philanthropy and public work
Beyond acting and business, DuBarry was active in philanthropic causes and community efforts. She supported arts organizations and charitable initiatives, and was known among peers for combining entrepreneurial success with public giving. Accounts of her charitable involvement describe her as engaged in a variety of civic and cultural projects rather than tied to a single, narrowly defined foundation.
Background, death and legacy
DuBarry was born in Killeen, Texas in 1956 and worked in the entertainment industry before moving into corporate and philanthropic roles. She died on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California, at age 63. Reports indicated the immediate cause as a fatal fungal infection. Her legacy is often described as twofold: contributions to television and film in earlier decades, and later influence as a creative executive in direct‑response marketing.
Selected credits and roles
- Black Sheep Squadron — role: Lt. Samantha Green (television)
- Being There — supporting role in the feature film
- Co‑founder and Chief Creative Officer — Thane International, Inc. (1990–2005)