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Micky Dolenz
Micky Dolenz
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George Michael Dolenz Jr. (/ˈdlənz/ DOH-lənz; born March 8, 1945) is an American musician and actor. He was the drummer and one of two primary vocalists for the pop rock band the Monkees (1966–1970, and reunions until 2021), and a co-star of the TV series The Monkees (1966–1968). Dolenz is the last surviving member of the group, following the deaths of Davy Jones (in 2012), Peter Tork (in 2019), and Michael Nesmith (in 2021).

Key Information

Life and entertainment career

[edit]

Dolenz was born on March 8, 1945, at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Hollywood, the son of actors George Dolenz and Janelle Johnson. He has three sisters, Gemma Marie ("Coco"), Deborah, and Kathleen ("Gina").[2] Gemma's nickname, Coco, is a shortened form of "Coco Sunshine", a nickname given to her as a child by Micky. Coco was a frequent guest on the set of The Monkees TV show and sometimes a guest performer on records by the Monkees, singing background vocals or duetting with Micky. She often performs as a member of Micky's backing band during his concerts.

Dolenz suffered from Perthes disease as a child, affecting his hip joint and right leg, leaving that leg weaker (and shorter) than the other. This resulted in Dolenz adapting an unorthodox drum setup – right-handed and left-footed – in his musical career.[3]

Circus Boy

[edit]
Dolenz as Corky

Dolenz began his show-business career in 1956 when he starred in a children's TV show called Circus Boy under the name Mickey Braddock.[4] He played Corky, an orphaned water boy for the elephants in a one-ring circus at the start of the 20th century. The program ran for two seasons, after which Dolenz made sporadic appearances on network television shows and pursued his education. Dolenz went to Ulysses S. Grant High School in Valley Glen and graduated in 1962. In 1964, he was cast as Ed in the episode "Born of Kings and Angels" of the NBC education drama series Mr. Novak, starring James Franciscus as an idealistic Los Angeles teacher. Dolenz was attending college in Los Angeles when he was hired for the "drummer" role in NBC's The Monkees.

Early musical career

[edit]

Dolenz originally had his own rock band called "Micky and the One-Nighters" in the early- to mid-1960s with himself as lead singer.[5] He had already begun writing his own songs. According to Dolenz, his band's live stage act included rock songs, cover songs, and some R&B. One of his favorite songs to sing was Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode", which he sang at his Monkees audition, resulting in his being hired as one of the cast/band members.[citation needed] He recorded two 45s in 1965 that went unreleased until the Monkees' success in 1967. Issued on the Challenge label, the recordings were "Don't Do It" b/w "Plastic Symphony III" and "Huff Puff" b/w "Fate (Big Ben)". Neither B-side on the Challenge 45s is by Dolenz, but rather a band later credited as The Obvious.

The Monkees

[edit]
Dolenz at a 1966 Monkees photoshoot

In 1965, Dolenz was cast in the television sitcom The Monkees and became the drummer and a lead vocalist in the band created for the show. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, writers of many of the Monkees' songs, observed quickly that when brought into the studio together, the four actors would try to make each other laugh. Because of this, the writers often brought in each singer individually. The antics escalated until Dolenz poured a cup of ice on Don Kirshner's head. At the time, Dolenz did not know Kirshner on sight.

During tension-filled times, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork voluntarily turned over lead vocal duties to Dolenz on their own songs.

Dolenz wrote a few of the band's songs, most prominently "Randy Scouse Git" from the album Headquarters. He provided the lead vocals for such hits as "Last Train to Clarksville", "Pleasant Valley Sunday", and "I'm a Believer".

Dolenz purchased the third modular Moog synthesizer sold commercially.[6] (The first two belonged to Wendy Carlos and Buck Owens.) His performance on the Monkees' song "Daily Nightly" (written by Nesmith), from the album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., was one of the first uses of the synthesizer on a rock recording. He eventually sold his instrument to Bobby Sherman.

He is the last surviving member of the Monkees (after Davy Jones's death in 2012, Tork's in 2019, and Nesmith's in 2021).[7] He is the only member of the Monkees who was part of every lineup from the band's inception, and the only member with contemporary recordings of his vocals on all studio albums.

Solo MGM recordings

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The Moog synthesizer that Dolenz had bought proved vital when he wrote a song entitled "Easy on You" in 1971; he began recording it in his home studio, playing acoustic guitar and drums, and using the Moog like a keyboard. With that song completed, he next invited former Monkee Peter Tork over to help with more recordings. Then, a fortuitous street encounter led to former Monkee stand-in David Price joining, as well as contributing a rock song he had written called "Oh Someone". With Dolenz on drums and vocals, Tork on bass, and Price on rhythm guitar, the song was completed in only two hours; subsequently, guitarist B. J. Jones came in two days later and added lead guitar. With these two songs recorded, Dolenz contacted his former high school friend Mike Curb, then the head of MGM Records; after playing the songs for Curb, Dolenz was immediately signed to MGM.

Dolenz recorded and released songs for MGM for about three years (with a few of the songs being credited to Starship, an ersatz group, not the later Jefferson Starship). After the first year, Dolenz's friend Harry Nilsson contributed his song "Daybreak", also arranging and producing the recording, which included Keith Allison on guitar, former Monkees producer Chip Douglas on bass, and steel-guitarist Orville "Red" Rhodes.

By early 1974, with no chart successes to date, Dolenz headed to England, and with Tony Scotti, he cut four songs for MGM: two rock classics, "Splish Splash" and "Purple People Eater", as well as "I Hate Rock and Roll" and a new song, "Wing Walker". Meanwhile, Mike Curb left MGM and joined Warner Bros. Records. Dolenz's association with MGM then ended (and those final four songs remained unreleased).

Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart

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In part because of reruns of The Monkees on Saturday mornings and in syndication, The Monkees Greatest Hits charted in 1976. The LP, issued by Arista (a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures), was actually a repackaging of a 1972 compilation LP called Re-Focus that had been issued by Arista's previous label imprint, Bell Records, also owned by Columbia Pictures.

Dolenz and Jones took advantage of this, joining ex-Monkees songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart to tour the United States. They could not use the Monkees name for legal reasons, but from 1975 to 1977, as the "Golden Hits of The Monkees" show ("The Guys Who Wrote 'Em and the Guys Who Sang 'Em!"), they successfully performed in smaller venues such as state fairs and amusement parks, as well as making stops in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. They also released an album of new material, appropriately called Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, and a live album, Concert in Japan, was released by Capitol in 1976.

A Christmas single (credited to Dolenz, Jones and Tork) was produced by Chip Douglas and released on his own label in 1976. The single featured Douglas's and Howard Kaylan's "Christmas Is My Time of Year" (originally recorded by a 1960s supergroup, The Christmas Spirit), with a B-side of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (Douglas released a remixed version of the single, with additional overdubbed instruments, in 1986). Tork also joined Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart on stage at Disneyland on July 4, 1976, and also joined Dolenz and Jones on stage at the Starwood in Hollywood, California in 1977.

Notable stage work

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Dolenz, with beard grown out for role as King Charlemagne in Pippin at the Goodspeed Opera House.

In 1977, he performed with former bandmate Davy Jones in a stage production of the Harry Nilsson musical The Point! at London's Mermaid Theatre, playing and singing the part of the "Count's Kid" and the Leafman to Jones's starring role as Oblio (according to the CD booklet). An original cast recording was made and released. The comedic chemistry of Dolenz and Jones proved so strong that the show was revived in 1978 with Nilsson inserting additional comedy for the two, plus two more songs, with one of them ("Gotta Get Up") being sung by Dolenz and Jones together. The show was considered successful enough that another revival was planned for 1979, but it proved cost-prohibitive. After the show's run, Dolenz remained in England and began directing for stage and television, as well as producing several of the shows he directed.

From August to September 2006, Dolenz played Charlemagne at the Goodspeed Opera House for the revival of the musical Pippin in East Haddam, Connecticut.[8] He also toured in that role. Also in the mid-2000s, Dolenz played the role of Zoser in the Broadway production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida.

After Monkees television and film career

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After The Monkees television show ended, Dolenz continued performing providing voice-overs for a number of Saturday-morning cartoon series including The Funky Phantom, Partridge Family 2200 A.D., The Scooby-Doo Show, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids, These Are the Days, Devlin, and Wonder Wheels (from The Skatebirds). Dolenz starred in the first season of the animated series The Tick, voicing the titular protagonist's sidekick Arthur; he was replaced by Rob Paulsen for the remainder of the series.[9] In 1972, Dolenz played Vance in the murder mystery film Night of the Strangler. He was featured in an episode of Adam-12, entitled "Dirt Duel" (season 5, episode 1), and an episode of Cannon, entitled "Bitter Legion" (season 2, episode 3). Dolenz provided the voice of Two-Face's twin henchmen Min and Max in the two-part episode "Two-Face" on Batman: The Animated Series.[10] In a September 2006 radio interview, Dolenz reported that he was the current voice of Snuggle the Fabric Softener Bear at that time.[11] In 2017, Dolenz returned to voice-over, providing the voice of Wendell the Love Grub, as well as singing the featured song, in the Cartoon Network series Mighty Magiswords half-hour episode, "The Saga of Robopiggeh!". Dolenz recorded the voice-acting remotely in New York weeks before his Good Times! tour.

Both Dolenz and Michael Nesmith auditioned for the role of Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli on Happy Days. Dolenz was reportedly a finalist for the role.[12]

Dolenz in Central Park, New York City, 2007

In 1975, Dolenz acted in Linda Lovelace for President, starring Linda Lovelace.[13]

In 1994–95, Dolenz played in two episodes of the sitcom Boy Meets World; in the first one (entitled "Band on the Run"), he played Norm, a bandmate of Alan Matthews. In 1995, he joined Davy Jones and Peter Tork in episode eight of the third season (entitled "Rave On"), although they did not play the Monkees, per se – Dolenz's character is "Gordy", while Davy Jones is "Reginald Fairfield" and Tork is "Jedidiah Lawrence". However, at the climax of the program, the three are put on stage together and perform the classic Buddy Holly song "Not Fade Away", and the Temptations' "My Girl". As an inside joke, actor Dave Madden, who had played the manager on The Partridge Family, cameoed as a manager; he suddenly appears, wanting to handle the "new" group, and tells them that they "could be bigger than The Beatles", which they all scoff at.

In 2007, he appeared in Rob Zombie's remake of Halloween as Derek Allan, the owner of a gun shop.

On January 29, 2011, Dolenz appeared in the Syfy Channel film Mega Python vs. Gatoroid, alongside Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.[14][15] On February 21, 2015, he had a cameo as himself in the Adult Swim TV special Bagboy. In 2017, he appeared as himself on the sitcom Difficult People.[16]

Directorial work

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In 1980, Dolenz produced and directed the British television sitcom Metal Mickey,[17] featuring a large metallic robot with the catch-phrase "boogie boogie". In 1981, he directed a short film based on the sketch "Balham, Gateway to the South", with Robbie Coltrane playing multiple roles. In the early 1980s, Dolenz directed a stage adaptation of Bugsy Malone.[11] He was producer of the TV show Luna in 1983–84.[18]

MTV reignites Monkee Mania

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In 1986, a screening of the entire Monkees television series by MTV led to renewed interest in the band, followed by a single, "That Was Then, This Is Now", which reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and No.41 in Canada,[19] a 20th-anniversary tour, a greatest hits album, and a brand new LP, Pool It! in 1987. The band's original albums were reissued, and all hit the record charts at the same time.

Beginning in 1986, Dolenz joined the other ex-Monkees for several reunion tours and toured extensively as a solo artist.

WCBS-FM

[edit]
Dolenz performing in 2019

On January 10, 2005, Dolenz replaced Dan Taylor as the morning disc jockey at oldies radio station WCBS-FM in New York.[20] On June 3, 2005, Dolenz celebrated his 100th show with a special morning show at B. B. King's. That was also his last regular show at the station; at 5:00 pm, WCBS-FM announced that the station would replace its oldies format with a "Jack" format, eliminating the need for on-air disc jockeys.

However, WCBS-FM eventually returned to its oldies format on July 12, 2007, with Taylor re-assuming his role as the morning disc jockey the following day. Several months later, on February 3, 2008, Dolenz was invited back to the station to present his long-postponed 101st show and final in-studio appearance there by guest-hosting a three-hour broadcast during WCBS's Sunday evening "New York Radio Greats" program.[21]

Solo work and further Monkees reunions

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In 2009, Dolenz signed a deal to record an album of the classic songs of Carole King, titled King for a Day. The album (released on Gigitone Records) was produced by Jeffrey Foskett, who has worked extensively with Brian Wilson and played on Wilson's 2004 Grammy-winning Brian Wilson Presents Smile. King's songs "Pleasant Valley Sunday", "Sometime in the Morning", and "Porpoise Song" (Theme from Head) have emerged as signature songs from the Monkees. As of February 2010, he was appearing on stage in London in Hairspray with Michael Ball. The show also went on tour and had a successful run in Dublin, Ireland, during November 2010. In 2011, he rejoined Tork and Jones for An Evening with The Monkees: The 45th Anniversary Tour.[22]

After Jones' sudden death in February 2012, Dolenz and Tork reunited with Michael Nesmith for a 12-concert tour of the United States as a tribute.[23] The three remaining Monkees toured again in 2013 and 2014 and Dolenz toured as a duo with Tork in 2015 and 2016.[24]

Following Tork's death in 2019, Dolenz toured with Nesmith as "The Mike and Micky Show" in 2018 and 2019.[25] On May 4, 2021, Dolenz and Nesmith announced "The Monkees Farewell Tour" which was the last for the group. The tour consisted of 40 US dates from September to November. The final show was held on November 14, 2021, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.[26]

On May 21, 2021, Dolenz released a solo album, Dolenz Sings Nesmith, featuring songs written by Nesmith and produced by Christian Nesmith.[27]

On November 3, 2023 Dolenz released an EP of R.E.M. cover songs.[28][29]

Other tours

[edit]

In late 2019, Dolenz toured with Todd Rundgren, Jason Scheff, Christopher Cross, and Joey Molland of Badfinger, in celebration of the Beatles' White Album on the "It Was Fifty Years Ago Today – A Tribute to the Beatles' White Album" tour. Dolenz performed the Monkees' songs "I'm a Believer" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday".[30]

Personal life

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Dolenz in 2013

Dolenz has been married three times and is the father of four daughters. In 1967, while in the UK on tour with the Monkees, Dolenz met future wife Samantha Juste, a co-presenter on BBC TV's pop music show Top of the Pops. They married in 1968, and their daughter Ami Bluebell Dolenz was born on January 8, 1969; she became an actress who was particularly active in the 1980s and 1990s. Dolenz and Juste divorced in 1975, but remained close friends until her death following a stroke on February 5, 2014.[31]

He married Trina Dow in 1977. They had three daughters: Charlotte Janelle (born August 8, 1981), Emily Claire (born July 25, 1983), and Georgia Rose (born September 3, 1984). They divorced in 1991. Trina Dow Dolenz has become a couples therapist, still using her married name.

Dolenz married his third wife, Donna Quinter, in 2002.

Discography

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Albums

  • Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart (Capitol, 1976) – with Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart
  • Concert in Japan (Capitol, 1976) – live, with Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart
  • The Point! (MCA, 1977) – with the London cast of The Point! (MCA Records – VIM 6262; CD release 2016, Varèse Sarabande)
  • Micky Dolenz Puts You to Sleep (Kid Rhino, 1991)
  • Broadway Micky (Kid Rhino, 1994)
  • Demoiselle (self-released, 1998)
  • King for a Day (Gigatone, 2010)
  • Remember (Robo, 2012)
  • A Little Bit Broadway, a Little Bit Rock and Roll (Broadway, 2015) – live
  • An Evening With Peter Noone & Micky Dolenz (7A Records, 2016) – spoken word, live
  • The MGM Singles Collection – Expanded CD Edition (7A Records, 2016)
  • Out of Nowhere (7A Records, 2017)
  • Live in Japan (7A Records, 2020)
  • Dolenz Sings Nesmith (7A Records, 2021) – produced by Christian Nesmith
  • Demoiselle (7A Records, 2022) – expanded deluxe edition
  • Dolenz Sings R.E.M. (EP, 7a Records, 2023)[29]

Singles

  • "Don't Do It"/"Plastic Symphony III" (Challenge, 1967) (recorded in 1965) US No. 75[32] CAN No. 74[33]
  • "Huff Puff"/"Fate (Big Ben)" (Challenge, 1967) (recorded in 1965)
  • "Do It in the Name of Love"/"Lady Jane" (Bell, 1971) – with Davy Jones
  • "Easy on You"/"Oh Someone" (MGM, 1971)
  • "A Lover's Prayer"/"Unattended in the Dungeon" (MGM, 1972)
  • "Johnny B. Goode"/"It's Amazing to Me" (Lion, 1972) – with Starship
  • "Daybreak"/"Love War" (Romar, 1973)
  • "The Buddy Holly Tribute"/"Ooh, She's Young" (Romar, 1974)
  • "I Remember the Feeling"/"You and I" (Capitol, 1975) – with Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart
  • "I Love You and I'm Glad That I Said It"/"Saving My Love for You" (Capitol, 1975) – with Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart
  • "Christmas Is My Time of Year"/"White Christmas" (Harmony, 1976) – with Davy Jones & Peter Tork
  • "Lovelight"/"Alicia" (Chrysalis, 1979)
  • "To Be or Not to Be"/"Beverly Hills" (JAM, 1981)
  • "Tomorrow"/"Fat Sam's Grand Slam" (A&M, 1983) – with the Bugsy Malone Gang
  • "Chance of a Lifetime"/"Livin' on Lies" (7A Records, 2016)
  • "Porpoise Song"/"Good Morning Good Morning"/"Crying in the Rain"/"Randy Scouse Git" (7A Records, 2016) – with Christian Nesmith and Circe Link
  • "Sunny Girlfriend"/"Zor and Zam" (Live in Japan, 1982) (7A Records, 2016)

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1967 Good Times Jungle Gino uncredited role
1968 Head Micky uncredited writer
1972 Night of the Strangler Vance
1975 Linda Lovelace for President Lt. Fenwick
1975 Keep Off My Grass! You Know
1993 Deadfall Bart
1999 Invisible Mom II Bernard
2001 Malpractice director
2007 Halloween Derek Allen
2011 Mega Python vs. Gatoroid Himself

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1956–1957 Circus Boy Corky main cast; 49 episodes (as Mickey Braddock)
1958 Zane Grey Theater Ted Matson Episode: "The Vaunted" (as Mickey Braddock)
1959 Playhouse 90 Melvin Episode: "The Velvet Alley" (as Micky Braddock)
1964 Mr. Novak Ed Episode: "Born of Kings and Angels" (as Micky Braddock)
1965 Peyton Place Kitch Brunner 3 episodes
1966–1968 The Monkees Micky / Robot Micky / "Baby Face" Morales main cast; 58 episodes; writer/director – episode: "Mijacogeo"
1966 The Monkees: "I'm a Believer" Micky Dolenz music video
1967 The Monkees: "Daydream Believer" Micky Dolenz music video
1969 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee Micky Dolenz Television film
1969 The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour Micky Dolenz Episode: "Jeannie C. Riley & The Monkees"; guest performer
1969 Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In Micky Dolenz Episode #3.4; guest performer
1972 The Funky Phantom Skip Gilroy Voice; 17 episodes[34]
1972 My Three Sons John Simpson / Brian Lipsker Episode: "Barbara Lost"
1972 Adam-12 Oiler Episode: "Dirt Duel"
1972 Cannon Cappy Episode: "Bitter Legion"
1973 Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kids Wally Voice
1973 Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law Rick Schenk Episode: "The Camerons Are a Special Clan"
1974 Partridge Family 2200 A.D. Voice
1974 These Are the Days Voice
1975 Devlin Tod Devlin Voice
1976 The Scooby-Doo Show Alex Super Voice; episode: "Mamba Wamba & the Voodoo Hoodoo"
1977 Wonder Wheels Willie Wheeler Voice
1977–1980 Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels Additional voices 38 episodes
1979 Pop Gospel director; 7 episodes
1979 Premiere director – episode: "Story Without a Hero"
1980–1983 Metal Mickey producer, 39 episodes (as Michael Dolenz); director, 21 episodes (as Michael Dolenz)
1981 The Box Short; writer/director (as Michael Dolenz)
1981 Gateway to the South Short; director (as Michael Dolenz)
1982 Murphy's Mob director
1983 No Problem! producer; director, 6 episodes
1983 For 4 Tonight producer, 6 episodes; director, 6 episodes
1983–1984 Luna creator/writer, 12 episodes; producer, 12 episodes; director, 3 episodes (as Michael Dolenz)
1985 Television Parts Television film, also director
1985 From the Top producer, 6 episodes; composer, 12 episodes
1986 The Monkees: "That Was Then, This Is Now" Micky Dolenz music video
1987 The New Mike Hammer Scott Warren Episode: "Deadly Collection"
1987 The Monkees: "Heart and Soul" Micky Dolenz music video
1988 The Monkees: "Every Step of the Way" Micky Dolenz music video
1990 Aladdin Television film; director
1992 Batman: The Animated Series Min / Max Voice; episode: "Two-Face Part II"[34]
1992 The Ben Stiller Show Josh Goldsilver Episode: "With Rob Morrow"
1994 Monty Eli Campbell Episode: "My Dad Could Beat Up Your Dad"
1995 Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Jed / Kilowog Voice; episode: "Simon Strikes Back/The Ickis Box"
1994–1995 The Tick Arthur / Arthur Clone / Captain Lemming Voice; 13 episodes
1994–1995 Boy Meets World Gordy / Norm 2 episodes; director, 2 episodes
1996 Pacific Blue Mayor Micky Dolenz 2 episodes; director – episode: "Moving Target"
1996 Muppets Tonight Himself in cameo 1 episode: "Cindy Crawford"
1996 PJ & Duncan: "Stepping Stone" Motorist music video
1997 Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees Micky Television film; also executive producer
1997 The Wonderful World of Disney Donny Shotz Episode: "The Love Bug"
1998–1999 The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs Ralph / Scribble Voice
2001 The Drew Carey Show Mr. Metcalf Episode: "Drew and the King"
2002 As the World Turns The Vicar Episode #1.11769
2011 Mega Python vs. Gatoroid Micky Dolenz Television film
2015 Bagboy Micky Dolenz Television film; uncredited
2017 Mighty Magiswords Wendell the Love Grub Voice; episode: "The Saga of Robopiggeh!"[34]
2017 Difficult People Micky Dolenz Episode: "Fuzz Buddies"

Stage

[edit]
  • 1977–1978: The Point!, Mermaid Theatre, London, England (Role: Count's Kid / The Leafman)
  • 1983: Bugsy Malone, Her Majesty's Theatre, London, England (director)
  • 1994–1998: Grease, Eugene O'Neill Theatre, NYC (Role: Vince Fontaine – replacement)
  • 2004: Aida, Palace Theatre, NYC (Role: Zoser – replacement)
  • 2006: Pippin, Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam, Connecticut (Role: Charlemagne)
  • 2010: Hairspray, Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin, Ireland (Role: Wilbur Turnblad – alternate)

References

[edit]

Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Micky Dolenz is an American , , director, and best known as the drummer and one of the lead vocalists of the pop-rock band , whose television series and music achieved massive commercial success, selling over 65 million records worldwide. Born George Michael Dolenz Jr. on March 8, 1945, in , , he began his career as a , starring as the young orphan Corky in the /ABC Western series Circus Boy from 1956 to 1958 under the stage name Micky Braddock. The son of George Dolenz and actress Janelle Johnson, Dolenz grew up in the entertainment industry and later transitioned to music in his teens, performing with local bands before auditioning for in 1965. Dolenz's breakthrough came with , a band assembled for an sitcom that premiered in 1966, where he portrayed the group's wild, comedic personality alongside Davy Jones, , and . The show won two in 1967 for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement, and Dolenz provided lead vocals on several of the band's biggest hits, including "" and "," both written by and reaching number one on the Hot 100. ' rapid rise included international tours, the Head in 1968, and reunions through 2021 following the deaths of Jones (2012) and Tork (2019). Despite initial criticism as a "manufactured" act, the group asserted creative control, recording albums like (1967) and influencing pop culture with their blend of rock, humor, and visual flair. Beyond the Monkees, Dolenz has maintained a multifaceted career spanning over six decades. He has acted in television series such as The Drew Carey Show and Days of Our Lives, directed episodes for shows like Boy Meets World and British programs for the BBC and London Weekend Television, and performed in stage productions including the West End revivals of The Point! (1977) and Hairspray (2010). His solo music efforts include albums like King for a Day (2010), a tribute to Monkees co-creator Don Kirshner, Dolenz Sings Nesmith (2021) honoring Michael Nesmith's songwriting, and the EP Dolenz Sings R.E.M. (2023). Dolenz has also authored autobiographies, including I'm a Believer: My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness (1993) and I'm Told I Had a Good Time: The Making of the Dark Horse Tour (2023), and co-founded the furniture company Dolenz & Daughters with his family. On a personal level, Dolenz has been married three times: to (1968–1975), with whom he had daughter Ami; to Trina Dow (1977–1991), with daughters Charlotte, , and Georgia; and to Donna Quinter since 2002. He has three sisters: Coco, Debbie, and Gina. As of 2025, at age 80, Dolenz remains active, touring with shows like "Micky Dolenz Celebrates ," with recent performances in November 2025 including and , and collaborating with daughter Ami on projects such as the children's book Lalu released in November 2025. In September 2025, he issued a public warning to fans about AI-generated circulating online about him.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Micky Dolenz was born George Michael Dolenz Jr. on March 8, 1945, in , . His father, (born Jure Dolenc), was an actor of Slovenian descent who emigrated from (then part of ) and arrived in in the 1940s, where he established a career in Hollywood films and television, including the title role in the 1956 series . His mother, , was an actress from who moved to in pursuit of a film career, appearing in several 1940s productions before focusing on family life after marriage. The couple's shared ties to the entertainment industry immersed Dolenz in Hollywood's creative environment from an early age, with his father's acting pursuits providing direct exposure to the profession. Dolenz grew up as the eldest child and only son in a family with strong entertainment connections, alongside three younger sisters: Gemma Marie "Coco" Dolenz, Deborah "Debbie" Dolenz, and Kathleen "Gina" Dolenz. The Dolenz family's relocation to during the aligned with the booming , positioning them within a network of performers and producers in the region.

Childhood and Early Interests

Micky Dolenz attended High School in , , where he graduated in 1962 after starting at age 13 due to skipping two grades facilitated by a private tutor during his early years. Following high school, he briefly pursued studies in architecture at (also known as Valley College) and the Los Angeles Technical Institute, focusing on as part of his coursework before his acting career resumed. During his childhood, Dolenz developed several informal hobbies that reflected his creative inclinations, including playing with Tinker Toys to build inventive structures and gadgets, as well as engaging in outdoor activities like and waterskiing. He also took up playing classical Spanish guitar at a young age, which evolved into performances at junior high and high school parties, though this remained a casual pursuit rather than a professional endeavor at the time. These interests highlighted his early fascination with design and music outside of structured education. Growing up in a show business-oriented household, Dolenz was exposed to the worlds of television and film through his father's career as an actor, which subtly influenced his creative environment without direct involvement in professional sets during his pre-teen years. His mother, who had performed as a singer, contributed to a home atmosphere where singing and artistic expression were encouraged among the family, including his sisters. This background fostered a natural comfort with performance arts from an early age.

Early Entertainment Career

Circus Boy (1956–1958)

At the age of ten, Micky Dolenz was cast in the lead role of Corky, a young orphan adopted by a traveling circus after his parents' in a high-wire accident, for the television series Circus Boy; he performed under the stage name Mickey Braddock. The show, a family-oriented Western adventure produced by , aired on from 1956 to 1957 before moving to ABC for its second season, spanning 49 half-hour black-and-white episodes that depicted late-19th-century circus life. Dolenz starred alongside actors such as as the clown Joey and Robert Lowery as circus owner Big Tim Champion, while co-starring with real circus elements including the elephant Bimbo and various performers to authentically portray the big-top environment. During filming at locations like Corriganville and Columbia Ranch in Burbank, Dolenz balanced a demanding schedule that began with 5:30 a.m. wake-ups and four hours of on-set schooling each day, as required for child actors under law. He enjoyed the production's excitement, often assisting the team—such as helping with controlled explosions for dramatic scenes—and found the behind-the-scenes work more engaging than watching the final episodes on television. To prepare for the role, Dolenz learned basic circus skills, including elements of wire-walking and other acts integral to Corky's character, though the rigorous early mornings and line memorization presented challenges that limited his free time. Circus Boy received positive family audience reception, evidenced by its two-season run and subsequent reruns on NBC until 1960, establishing Dolenz as a child star and opening doors to further television guest roles. For his performance, he earned $300 per episode, a modest sum reflective of 1950s child actor compensation amid the show's $30,000–$42,000 per-episode budget.

Other Early Acting Roles

Following the success of Circus Boy, which established him as a child performer, Dolenz continued acting sporadically in the late and early under his Mickey Braddock, transitioning to more mature roles as he entered his teens. In 1958, he appeared as Ted Matson in the episode "The Vaunted" of the anthology series Dick Powell's Theatre, portraying a young boy in a Western drama centered on and life. The following year, Dolenz guest-starred as Melvin in "The Velvet Alley," a live teleplay on written by , where he played a troubled adolescent involved in a story of and redemption alongside and other notable actors. By the early 1960s, as Dolenz matured into his late teens, his roles reflected a shift from child-centric characters to those suited for young adults, amid the challenges of breaking out of in Hollywood. He landed a guest spot as Ed, a debate team member, in the 1964 episode "Born of Kings and Angels" of the NBC drama , which explored themes of education and family heritage in a high setting. In 1965, shortly before his audition, Dolenz portrayed the rebellious teen Kitch Brunner in three episodes of the prime-time soap Peyton Place, appearing uncredited in some segments as a local troublemaker entangled in the show's small-town scandals. Dolenz also pursued minor parts in various TV pilots during this period, navigating frequent auditions in as a jobbing while studying at , viewing as a potential fallback rather than a primary . This phase marked a period of professional uncertainty, with roles becoming scarcer after his child stardom, prompting him to balance acting gigs with everyday pursuits like building go-karts and maintaining a grounded family life in . As a working , Dolenz earned modestly from these sporadic appearances, sufficient to support his emerging adult independence without the financial security of his earlier series lead.

Rise with The Monkees

Audition and Band Formation (1965–1966)

In September 1965, producers and placed an advertisement in Daily Variety and seeking talent for a new television inspired by , describing the roles as "parts for 4 insane boys, age 17-21" with a need for ", sense of humor, [and the] ability to play guitar or ," emphasizing that "no experience [was] necessary." The ad, headlined "MADNESS!! AUDITIONS," targeted aspiring folk and roll musicians-singers for roles and drew 437 applicants to the open casting call. Micky Dolenz, then 20 years old and known for his childhood role on the television series Circus Boy, learned of the opportunity through his agent, Ted Wilk, who arranged a private audition given Dolenz's established acting résumé. During the screen tests held in October 1965 on the set of The Farmer's Daughter, Dolenz impressed with his comedic timing, including a humorous alongside fellow candidate Davy Jones that involved exchanging hats and playful banter. Dolenz's lighthearted energy aligned with the producers' vision for zany, improvisational characters, leading to his selection. Dolenz was cast alongside Davy Jones, , and to form the fictional band at the center of the series, assembled by Rafelson and Schneider through their in partnership with , Columbia Pictures' television subsidiary. The initial focus was on acting prowess and on-screen chemistry rather than professional musicianship, as the show prioritized comedic scenarios over live performances. Following successful auditions, the four signed contracts with in early 1966, after greenlit the project on January 17 following a pilot filmed in late 1965. Pre-production ramped up in spring 1966, including wardrobe fittings where the cast first met as a group and began rehearsing scripted and improvised material under Rafelson's direction.

Role as Drummer and Vocalist

Micky Dolenz, cast as the drummer for in 1965 despite having no prior experience on the instrument, quickly adapted to the role after the band's formation. Previously a and singer in folk and rock groups, Dolenz received training from renowned session musicians such as and of The Wrecking Crew, who were hired under music supervisor to handle the band's initial recordings. He learned the basics in about a year through intensive practice and lessons, developing an unorthodox style influenced by a childhood leg condition that led him to use his left foot for the . This rapid skill acquisition allowed him to contribute to live performances, though studio work initially relied on professional drummers. As ' primary lead vocalist, Dolenz's distinctive tenor voice defined many of the band's biggest hits, blending youthful energy with pop accessibility. He sang lead on "," which reached number one on the in December 1966, as well as "" from the 1967 album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" from (1967). His vocal delivery, often characterized by enthusiastic phrasing and harmonies, helped shape the group's bubblegum pop sound during their peak years from 1966 to 1968. The contrast between studio recordings and live shows highlighted Dolenz's evolving musicianship amid early controversies. In the studio and on their television series, The Monkees frequently lip-synced to tracks performed by session players, sparking backlash in 1967 when fans and critics accused the band of not playing their own instruments—a revelation that fueled debates about authenticity in manufactured pop acts. Live, however, Dolenz sang and drummed in real time, though massive audience screams often drowned out monitors, making performances chaotic; he rehearsed extensively with paradiddles and rudiments to build stamina for their grueling tour schedule. By the Headquarters sessions in 1967, Dolenz played drums on several tracks, marking a shift toward self-performance. Dolenz's contributions extended to The Monkees' vibrant image, where his manic energy and comedic flair positioned him as the band's "wild" member, complementing the group's playful, rebellious pop aesthetic. His drumming provided a driving, upbeat rhythm that underscored their catchy melodies, while his antics—leaping and engaging crowds—amplified the youthful exuberance that resonated with teen audiences. This dual role as and frontman solidified his integral place in the band's sound and persona during their formative active years.

Television Show and Initial Success (1966–1968)

television series premiered on on September 12, 1966, airing 58 half-hour episodes over two seasons until its conclusion on March 25, 1968. The program followed the fictional adventures of four aspiring musicians sharing a beach house in while navigating comedic mishaps in pursuit of rock stardom, blending elements with musical performances. Inspired by ' films A Hard Day's Night (1964) and Help! (1965), the series featured rapid-fire editing, fourth-wall breaks, and surreal humor to capture the youthful energy of the era. Primarily directed by , the show incorporated innovative techniques such as handheld cameras and improvisational scenes, setting it apart from traditional s. In recognition of its creative achievements, won two at the 19th ceremony in 1967: Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy for Frawley's work on the pilot episode "." These honors underscored the series' impact on television comedy, highlighting its fresh approach to storytelling and visual style. Frawley's direction emphasized the cast's natural chemistry, allowing for spontaneous performances that resonated with viewers. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, particularly among teenagers, generating widespread fan enthusiasm dubbed "Monkeemania" that rivaled in intensity. This popularity translated into strong youth demographics and propelled the band's real-world music career, with the series' integrated songs spawning multiple chart-topping albums like (1966) and (1967), as well as sold-out international tours. Dolenz's prior experience as a in the series Circus Boy (1956–1958) enhanced his expressive comedic delivery, adding authenticity to his portrayal of the group's energetic wild card.

Musical Career Beyond The Monkees

Solo Recordings at MGM (1967, 1970s)

In 1967, while still active with The Monkees, Dolenz released two solo singles on Challenge Records, marking his initial foray into independent recordings outside the group's framework. The first, "Don't Do It" backed with the instrumental "Plastic Symphony III," was issued in February 1967; the A-side dated back to a 1965 recording session, showcasing Dolenz's pre-Monkees vocal style in a pop-rock vein, while the B-side featured no vocal contribution from him. Later that same month, "Huff Puff" / "Fate" followed, again drawing from 1965 material with an instrumental flip side, highlighting Dolenz's early songwriting aspirations amid his rising fame with the band. Following ' dissolution in late 1970, Dolenz signed with and pursued a series of solo singles in the early 1970s, aiming to establish a distinct artistic identity. His debut release, "Easy on You" / "Oh Someone" in October 1971, was co-produced by Dolenz himself, with credited on arrangements for the latter track; "Oh Someone" exemplified his emotive balladry, blending introspective lyrics with orchestral elements. The 1972 single "A Lover's Prayer" / "Unattended in the " (June) continued this exploratory phase, with the A-side offering a soulful plea and the B-side delving into psychedelic influences reflective of the era's experimental sounds. That year also saw "" / "It's Amazing to Me" on the affiliated Lion label, where Dolenz's cover of the classic infused rock energy into his solo output. Dolenz's MGM tenure peaked with 1973's "Daybreak" / "Love War," the former penned and arranged by Harry Nilsson, delivering a bright, melodic pop track that underscored Dolenz's vocal versatility. A 1974 release on the MGM-affiliated Romar imprint featured a Buddy Holly tribute medley ("Peggy Sue" / "Every Day" / "Maybe Baby" / "That'll Be the Day") backed by "Ooh She's Young," paying homage to rock 'n' roll roots while attempting to broaden his appeal. Despite these efforts, Dolenz's solo work faced limited commercial success and promotion, largely overshadowed by his enduring Monkees association, which pigeonholed him in the public eye and restricted broader recognition during the decade.

Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart (1976)

In 1975, Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones of teamed up with the prolific songwriting duo Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart—who had composed numerous hits for the band, including "" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone"—to form . The supergroup emerged amid promoter demands for Monkees-related performances when other band members and were unavailable, with the project initiated by publisher-producer Christian DeWalden. Their debut concert took place on July 4, 1975, at near , drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 23,000 fans, as recalled by Hart in a 1996 interview. The group's sole studio album, Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, was released in 1976 by , blending new original material co-written by the members with covers of classic tracks. It showcased their shared heritage through upbeat pop arrangements, with production emphasizing vocal harmonies and Boyce and Hart's signature songcraft. Key singles from the album included "I Remember the Feeling" backed with "You & I," and "I Love You (And I'm Glad That I Said It)" backed with "Savin' My Love for You," though neither achieved significant chart success. To promote the album, the quartet embarked on an extensive tour spanning 1975 and 1976, performing over 70 concerts primarily in the United States at major venues such as amusement parks, including a high-profile show at on July 4, 1976, where Tork joined as a guest. The itinerary later extended to , featuring dates in (including a July 20 recording at Tokyo's Yubin Chokin Hall for a live album), , and , where they faced strict performance regulations. Despite the tour's popularity with fans nostalgic for Monkees-era sounds, the group disbanded quietly in early after their final performances in the , including a five-day stint at Over Mid-America. The breakup stemmed largely from the album's disappointing commercial performance and slow sales, which led Capitol to shelve the planned live release at the time. Underlying tensions from Boyce and Hart's prior professional disputes also played a role in the venture's short lifespan.

Later Solo Albums and Singles

In the 1980s, Dolenz's solo musical output was limited following his earlier work at , with activity primarily consisting of occasional singles rather than full albums. One notable release was the Japan-only single "To Be or Not to Be" backed with "Beverly Hills," reflecting his continued interest in pop songwriting outside . These efforts built on the creative experimentation from his 1970s solo phase but remained sporadic amid his focus on and family life. The 1990s marked a return to album-length projects, beginning with the 1991 children's album Micky Dolenz Puts You to Sleep, released on Rhino Records (later reissued by Kid Rhino). This 12-track collection featured gentle covers of and pop songs adapted as lullabies, including The Beatles' "Fool on the Hill," The Monkees' "Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)," and James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James," aimed at bedtime listening for young audiences. Produced with a soft rock arrangement emphasizing acoustic elements and Dolenz's warm vocals, the album showcased his versatility in reinterpreting familiar tunes for a family-oriented market. In 1994, Dolenz released Broadway Micky on Kid Rhino, a collection of show tunes and standards performed in a lighthearted, accessible style that highlighted his theatrical background. Later in the decade, Demoiselle emerged in 1998 as a private-press of original material, comprising demos and songs written primarily in the early 1990s, with production assistance from of . Tracks like "Piston Power" and "Livin' on Lies" demonstrated a more personal, introspective songcraft, blending pop-rock influences with mature themes; an expanded edition was reissued in 2022 by 7a Records, adding previously unreleased recordings from 1981 to 1992. Entering the 2000s, Dolenz's solo releases remained infrequent, focusing on tribute projects and covers that paid homage to influential songwriters. The 2010 album King for a Day, issued on Gigatone Records, was a 14-track tribute to , featuring interpretations of her compositions such as "Don't Bring Me Down," "Sweet Seasons," and "Some Kind of Wonderful," alongside Monkees-associated tracks like "Sometime in the Morning" (co-written by King and ). Produced by and Gary Griffin, the album emphasized Dolenz's vocal affinity for King's melodic style and received praise for its faithful yet fresh arrangements. This pattern of cover-oriented albums continued with Remember in 2012, released on Waterfront Records (under Robo Records), a 12-song "audio scrapbook" of 1960s and 1970s classics including ' "," Harry Nilsson's "One," and Chuck Berry's "." Recorded in , the project captured Dolenz's nostalgic take on songs from his formative years, blending rock, pop, and country-rock elements for a broad appeal. Dolenz's later solo work in the 2010s and included select singles and EPs, often tied to tributes. In 2016, 7a Records issued the single "Chance of a Lifetime" backed with "Livin' on Lies," his first standalone solo single in over three decades, drawing from earlier unreleased material. Subsequent releases encompassed Dolenz Sings Nesmith (2021), a full-length of 13 songs written by Monkees bandmate , produced by , and Dolenz Sings R.E.M. (2023), a four-track EP covering R.E.M. hits like "Shiny Happy People" and "Radio Free Europe," reimagined in a pop-rock vein. These efforts underscored Dolenz's enduring passion for interpreting influential catalogs while maintaining a concise output focused on quality over quantity. In November 2024, Dolenz released his first live solo in seven years, Live at the Troubadour, recorded on April 5, 2024, at the Troubadour in West Hollywood as a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; the features performances of hits, solo tracks, and covers.

Reunions and Revivals

1986 Reunion and MTV Special

In early 1986, sparked a major resurgence of interest in by airing a 22-hour marathon of 45 episodes from their original 58-episode television series on February 23, titled "." This broadcast, which played the episodes back-to-back, introduced the band's music and antics to a of viewers and reignited "Monkeemania," leading to a dramatic spike in catalog sales and fan enthusiasm. The unexpected popularity prompted the four original members—Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, , and —to reunite publicly for the first time since 1970, culminating in recording sessions that produced fresh material. On , 1986, Dolenz, Jones, and Tork gathered at Heaven Studios in Beverly Hills to record the comeback single "That Was Then, This Is Now," written by Vance Brescia, along with other tracks like "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere" and "Kicks." The single was released on June 27, 1986, via Arista Records, peaking at No. 20 on the and serving as the theme for their upcoming tour. This reunion effort extended to a sold-out 20th tour, which launched on , 1986, at the Concord Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, New York, primarily featuring Dolenz, Jones, and Tork across over 100 dates in . Nesmith made limited appearances, including a notable encore joining the full quartet on September 7 at the Greek Theatre in . The tour's success, driven by the nostalgic appeal of their hits alongside the new single, directly influenced the recording of their first full studio album of original material in nearly two decades, Pool It!, released in July 1987 on Rhino Records.

1990s and 2000s Reunions

In the mid-1990s, building on the momentum from their 1986 revival, reunited for new creative endeavors. The group released their tenth studio album, , on October 15, 1996, through Rhino Records; it marked the first Monkees project entirely written, produced, and performed by all four original members—Dolenz, Jones, Nesmith, and Tork—without outside songwriters or session musicians. The album featured 11 tracks, including contributions from each member, such as Nesmith's "Admiral Mike" and Dolenz's co-write on "Run Away," emphasizing a return to self-contained band dynamics. To promote Justus, the band produced the one-hour television special Hey, Hey, It's , written and directed by Nesmith and broadcast on ABC on February 17, 1997. The special reunited all four members in comedic sketches and musical performances, recreating elements of their original 1960s while incorporating new material from the album, and it drew an audience of approximately 10 million viewers. The release and special paved the way for the group's 30th anniversary tour, which ran from late 1996 into 1997 across and the , featuring the full original lineup of Dolenz, Jones, Nesmith, and Tork for the final time as a complete unit—though Nesmith participated only in select dates due to scheduling conflicts. The tour included performances of classic hits alongside tracks from , attracting sold-out crowds and underscoring the enduring appeal of the band's catalog. Entering the 2000s, reunion activities shifted to the trio of Dolenz, Jones, and Tork, who headlined tours in 2001 and , delivering high-energy sets of staples at venues across the and internationally. Nesmith made limited guest appearances during these outings, including a notable one-off in , but largely pursued solo projects. These tours maintained the group's live presence, with Dolenz handling lead vocals and , Jones on and maracas, and Tork on bass and keyboards. Amid these efforts, the surviving members began preliminary discussions and songwriting preparations in the late for what would become their next studio , Good Times!, though full production and release occurred later in 2016.

Final Tours with Surviving Members (2016–2021)

In 2016, to mark the 50th anniversary of the band's formation and debut television series, Micky Dolenz and launched the Monkees 50th Anniversary Tour, which began on May 18 in Fort Myers, Florida, and initially featured the duo performing a mix of hits and tracks from the band's catalog. joined them for select dates starting in September, including appearances at the Festival in on September 4 and subsequent shows through November, allowing all three surviving members to perform together for the first time since 2014. The tour, spanning over 40 North American dates, emphasized the band's enduring legacy and included performances of songs from their self-titled debut , which was reissued that year as a limited-edition translucent blue vinyl LP by Rhino Records, limited to 1,000 copies and featuring the original 12-track sequence without bonus material. These live renditions highlighted the original 's foundational tracks, such as "(Theme From) The Monkees" and "," bringing renewed attention to the 1966 release amid the anniversary celebrations. Building on the momentum from earlier reunions in the 1990s and 2000s, Dolenz and Nesmith announced their first duo tour, "The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show," in February 2018, with Peter Tork opting out to focus on his solo blues project. The tour kicked off on June 1 in Chandler, Arizona, and included 17 dates across the United States and Canada, concluding on June 25 in Red Bank, New Jersey; it showcased Nesmith's compositions, some performed live for the first time, spanning the band's career from their 1966 debut to the 2016 album Good Times!. Extended into 2019 with additional North American stops, such as in Seattle on January 17 and Medford, Massachusetts, on March 1, the shows drew strong attendance and led to the release of a live album, The Monkees Live: The Mike & Micky Show, in 2020, recorded during March and June performances and featuring 25 tracks of hits and rarities. The duo's final joint outing came with the 2021 farewell tour, titled "An Evening with ," announced on to commemorate 55 years since the band's debut and serve as their last major together. Running from September 11 in Seattle, Washington, to November 14 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California, the 35-date North American trek featured Dolenz and Nesmith performing classics alongside reflections on their shared history, with the final show marking an emotional close just weeks before Nesmith's death from on December 10, 2021, at age 78.

Acting and Stage Career

Film Roles

Micky Dolenz's film career began prominently with his role in the Monkees' sole , Head (1968), a surrealistic comedy directed by and written by . As the character Micky, Dolenz portrayed a version of himself as part of the band's fictionalized, stream-of-consciousness narrative that satirized their television image and the of the era. The film featured experimental editing, celebrity cameos, and anti-establishment themes, marking a bold departure from the band's wholesome TV persona. Following ' initial breakup, Dolenz ventured into independent cinema with a lead role in The Night of the Strangler (1972), a low-budget mystery directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. He played Vance, a young man entangled in a New Orleans plot involving voodoo and racial tensions, showcasing his ability to handle darker, dramatic material away from musical comedy. The film, though critically overlooked, highlighted Dolenz's post-Monkees transition to character acting in genre fare. In the mid-1970s, Dolenz starred in two countercultural comedies that reflected the era's ethos. In Keep Off My Grass! (1975), directed by , he portrayed a marijuana enthusiast leading a group of s to establish a utopian community in a , blending stoner humor with on generational clashes. The film, which had a limited release, capitalized on Dolenz's fame to draw audiences to its lighthearted exploration of alternative lifestyles. Similarly, in Linda Lovelace for President (1975), a satirical political , Dolenz appeared as Lt. Fenwick supporting the titular character's absurd presidential campaign, contributing to the film's ensemble of eccentric characters and bawdy humor. These roles demonstrated Dolenz's versatility in B-movies during a period of career reinvention. Dolenz's later film appearances were more sporadic and often cameo-driven. He made a brief but memorable turn as Derek Allen, a hardware store owner, in Rob Zombie's Halloween (2007), a gritty remake of the horror classic where his scene provided a moment of everyday normalcy amid the violence. This role underscored Dolenz's enduring screen presence into the 21st century, even as his focus shifted toward music and stage work.

Television Appearances Post-Monkees

Following the conclusion of The Monkees television series in 1968, Micky Dolenz maintained an active presence on television through guest spots on popular variety and sitcom programs, often drawing on his established celebrity status. In 1970, he appeared alongside fellow Monkees members Davy Jones and on , performing musical segments and participating in comedic sketches during the episode hosted by . Dolenz made multiple guest appearances on between 1977 and 1985, portraying characters such as a passenger in romantic vignettes across three episodes, including the series premiere in 1977 and later installments in 1979 and 1985. These roles highlighted his comedic timing in lighthearted, ensemble-driven stories typical of the show's format. In 1972, he guest-starred on sitcoms like as Chip's friend Brian Lipsker, showcasing his versatility in family-oriented narratives. He provided voice work for the animated series Partridge Family 2200 A.D. in 1974. Later in his career, Dolenz appeared in a 2001 episode of as Mr. Metcalf, Kate's quirky boss, in the installment "Drew and the King," bringing his signature humor to the workplace comedy. He also made a cameo on the in 2011, appearing as himself in a brief nod to his enduring pop culture legacy. In , Dolenz joined the cast of season 2 in 2003, living with other celebrities like and for the VH1 series that documented their shared household dynamics and personal interactions. These appearances underscored Dolenz's adaptability across genres, from variety shows to unscripted formats.

Notable Stage Productions

Micky Dolenz began his stage career in the late , transitioning from and music performance to musical theater, where he found a renewed passion for live performance that allowed him to leverage his vocal and skills in ensemble-driven productions. His early theater work emphasized character roles in whimsical and rock-infused musicals, marking a deliberate shift toward the immediacy of stage interaction after years in scripted formats. One of Dolenz's earliest notable stage roles was as the Count's Kid and the Leafman in the 1977 production of The Point!, Harry Nilsson's fable adapted for the , where he shared the stage with fellow Monkee Davy Jones as Oblio and delivered supporting performances in a pointed world. The production, which ran for a limited engagement, highlighted Dolenz's ability to blend storytelling with musical numbers, earning praise for its imaginative staging and the cast's chemistry in conveying themes of conformity and individuality. In the , Dolenz immersed himself further in musical theater, taking on the role of Vince Fontaine, the slick DJ, in the national touring company of Grease from 1994 to 1998, which occasionally played Broadway's . This high-energy production allowed him to channel his rock background into the show's vibe, with critics noting his charismatic delivery of numbers like "Those Magic Changes" as a highlight of the tour's revival energy. Building on this momentum, he starred as in a 1993 Canadian production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a lead role that showcased his comedic timing and in the classic, running for several months and solidifying his reputation for farce. Dolenz's Broadway debut came in 2004 as Zoser, the scheming Egyptian general and father to Radames, in the Elton John-Tim Rice musical Aida, where he replaced the original actor from January to September at the Palace Theatre. Prior to this, he had toured with the show in 2001 in the same role, contributing to its blend of pop-rock score and operatic drama; reviews commended his authoritative presence in scenes exploring power and legacy, opposite leads like Deborah Cox as Aida. He has reflected on Aida as a pivotal experience, appreciating the vocal demands and the opportunity to perform in a Disney-backed spectacle that toured extensively before Broadway. Later in his stage career, Dolenz portrayed King in the 2006 revival of Pippin at Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House, subsequently joining the national tour as the eccentric ruler in the Stephen musical. Directed by Broadway veteran André Ward, the production featured Dolenz in acrobatic and humorous sequences, with highlighting his dignified yet playful interpretation that added levity to the show's exploration of ambition and disillusionment. The tour extended into 2007, allowing him to refine the role across venues like the Segerstrom Center in . Returning to the West End in 2010, Dolenz played Wilbur Turnblad, the affable father, in Hairspray at the , opposite as Edna, in a run that extended into a UK tour. His warm, paternal performance in duets like "You Are Timeless to Me" was lauded for its sincerity and humor, resonating with audiences in the show's celebration of integration and family bonds; the production, an Olivier Award winner, marked Dolenz's return to London after over three decades. Throughout these roles, Dolenz has shared anecdotes of the thrill in adapting to live audiences, noting in interviews how theater's unpredictability reignited his early love for performance beyond the Monkees' spotlight.

Directing and Production Work

Television Directing

Dolenz's interest in directing developed during the production of television series, where he made his directorial debut by helming the final episode, titled "The Frodis Caper" (also known as "Mijacogeo"), which aired on March 25, 1968. This psychedelic installment, co-written by Dolenz, featured the band protecting a magical called the Frodis from villains, and it showcased his early behind-the-camera instincts honed from years of on-set experience as an actor. In the 1970s, following the end of The Monkees, Dolenz shifted focus toward directing, starting with television commercials and short films to build his skills. He directed the short feature The Box (1981), a surreal comedy written by Monty Python members Michael Palin and Terry Jones, which marked an early foray into narrative filmmaking. This period laid the groundwork for his move to England in the late 1970s, where he pursued opportunities in British television production and directing for outlets like the BBC and London Weekend Television. Dolenz's most extensive television directing work occurred in the with the children's sci-fi series (1980–1983), for which he directed 21 episodes under the pseudonym Michael Dolenz. The show, centered on a wisecracking hosted by the character Mickey Smith, attracted audiences of around 12 million viewers per episode and highlighted Dolenz's ability to handle lighthearted, family-oriented content. He also directed six episodes of the sitcom No Problem! in 1983, further establishing his reputation in British . Later, Dolenz directed episodes of American television series, including two episodes of ("Turnaround" in 1994 and "Bee True" in 1999) and at least one episode of Pacific Blue ("Moving Target" in 1996).

Other Production Roles

In addition to his directing work, Dolenz took on producing responsibilities for Monkees-related projects, including serving as for the 1997 ABC television special Hey, Hey, It's , which reunited the band for performances and sketches celebrating their legacy. This role built on the momentum from earlier reunions, such as the 1986 tour, where he contributed to overall production logistics alongside bandmates Davy Jones and . Dolenz also engaged in writing for the Monkees, co-authoring songs like "Randy Scouse Git" from the 1967 album Headquarters, a track inspired by his experiences in London that became a UK hit under the title "Alternate Title." He contributed to scripts as well, participating in the development of the screenplay for the band's 1968 psychedelic film Head, alongside director Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson, infusing it with improvisational and satirical elements reflective of the group's dynamic. Dolenz created and produced the British children's science fiction comedy series Luna (1983–1984), which consisted of 12 episodes. Beyond media production, Dolenz demonstrated inventive talents. In 1984, he invented the "Hang-It-All," a hand tool designed to simplify aligning and hanging framed pictures by providing a level surface and measurement guides, which he patented in 2005. During the , Dolenz handled executive production duties for his solo endeavors, including North American tours with Davy Jones and the of demo recordings compiled as the 1998 album Demoiselle, featuring original songs he composed in that decade. Dolenz extended his expertise to philanthropic efforts, organizing and producing charity events such as One Starry Night and Jammin' for Jones in April 2015 to support causes benefiting and youth programs. These initiatives highlighted his commitment to leveraging his platform for social good, often incorporating live performances to raise funds.

Radio and Other Media

WCBS-FM Hosting (2005)

In January 2005, Micky Dolenz was hired as the morning drive-time host (6-10 a.m.) on New York's , a prominent station known for its focus on and hits. The format of Dolenz's show emphasized a curated playlist of and nostalgic tracks, blended with personal anecdotes from his time with and live celebrity interviews, such as a call-in appearance by bandmate on his debut broadcast. This approach appealed to the station's core audience of , who tuned in for the mix of music and lighthearted storytelling that evoked the era of Dolenz's early fame. Dolenz hosted the program until June 3, 2005, when abruptly shifted to a new "Jack FM" format, resulting in the dismissal of all on-air personalities, including himself. The stint, though brief, highlighted his versatility in media beyond music and . In interviews, Dolenz shared his enthusiasm for radio, contrasting its creative freedom and lack of visual constraints with the more rigid structure of television production; he described the role as fulfilling a "lifelong dream" despite the challenge of early mornings, noting the joy of engaging listeners directly through voice and personality. This experience represented a pivot in his post-Monkees career toward broadcast media.

Recent Media Appearances

In 2016, Dolenz made a guest appearance on The Late Late Show to discuss his career and the enduring legacy of , performing a medley of hits that highlighted the band's influence on pop culture. Throughout the 2020s, he has been a frequent guest on various s, including Here's The Thing with in 2020, where he reflected on the transition from television to music stardom, and more recent s like The Magnificent Others with in July 2025, sharing anecdotes about collaborations with rock icons. He also joined Music Drives Us in August 2025 to explore his creative process across decades. To promote his 2023 memoir I'm Told I Had a Good Time: The Micky Dolenz Archives, Vol. 1, Dolenz participated in several interviews, including a feature in Goldmine magazine where he detailed the book's collection of rare photos and stories from his Monkees era, and a Rock Cellar Magazine discussion on the band's chaotic rise to fame. In 2025, he extended these promotions through full-length YouTube interviews, such as a July session recapping his 80 years in entertainment and an October feature on Hawaii Public Radio's Road Stories, teasing future projects. He also appeared in the 2020 documentary series Laurel Canyon, offering insights into the music scene and his interactions with figures like . Dolenz maintains an active presence on platforms like and , where he interacts with fans through posts about tours, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and issued a public warning in September 2025 against AI-generated content impersonating him. These engagements, including live Q&A sessions and fan messages, underscore his ongoing connection with audiences decades after ' peak.

Later Career (2020s)

Solo Tours

Following the death of fellow Monkees member Michael Nesmith in December 2021, Micky Dolenz initiated his solo touring career in 2022 with "An Evening with Micky Dolenz," a multimedia show where he performs as the last surviving original member of the band. The production blends live music with anecdotes from Dolenz's experiences in The Monkees, his acting roles, and behind-the-scenes stories from the group's television and recording eras, emphasizing personal reflections on their cultural impact. Setlists for the tour feature a diverse selection of Monkees classics such as "," "," and "," alongside Dolenz's solo tracks like "That Was Then, This Is Now" and covers including Linda Ronstadt's "" and Jefferson Airplane's "." Dolenz is supported by a backing band whose lineup has evolved over the tour dates, incorporating musicians such as guitarist Wayne Avers and keyboardist Alex Jules in various configurations to deliver a full rock arrangement. The tour extended into 2025 with key engagements, including a special Valentine's Day performance titled "Songs and Stories" at The STRAT Theater in Las Vegas on February 14 and another "Songs and Stories" show at William Paterson University's Shea Center for Performing Arts on September 25. As of November 2025, additional performances included shows at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, on November 6, and at City Winery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 8 and 9. On November 12, 2025, Dolenz announced a 2026 tour titled "60 Years of the Monkees," starting February 12 in Solana Beach, California, and concluding November 6 in Northfield, Ohio. These outings have drawn enthusiastic crowds, often selling out venues and earning praise for Dolenz's vocal energy at age 80 while honoring The Monkees' legacy through nostalgic storytelling and spirited renditions.

Publications and Books

In 2023, Dolenz released I'm Told I Had a Good Time: The Micky Dolenz Archives, Volume One, a comprehensive 500-page volume co-edited with music Andrew Sandoval and published by Beatland Books. This archival work draws from Dolenz's personal collection, spanning his life and career from 1945 to 1978, and features over 1,200 previously unpublished images, including photographs, artwork, handwritten lyrics, scripts, and artifacts that document his early acting roles, ' rise during Monkeemania, and post-band endeavors. The book serves as a visual and narrative preservation of Dolenz's experiences, emphasizing the cultural phenomenon of through rare memorabilia and contextual commentary, available in flexibound, deluxe, and limited super deluxe editions. Dolenz has described the project as a multi-year effort to excavate and share his archives, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the era's creative and personal dynamics. Earlier in his career, Dolenz authored the autobiography : My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness in 1993, published by Hyperion, with an updated edition released in 2004 by Cooper Square Press. Co-written with Mark Bego, the book recounts Dolenz's journey from in the television series Circus Boy to his selection for , detailing the band's formation, television success, musical evolution, and internal challenges in a candid, anecdotal style. It highlights his perspectives on the prefabricated nature of the group and its transition to live performances, offering reflective insights into the rock scene without extensive self-promotion. Dolenz has also ventured into children's literature, beginning with Gakky Two-Feet in 1998, published by Putnam/Penguin and illustrated by David H. Clark. This picture book follows the adventures of a young hominid named Gak in a prehistoric setting, blending humor and imagination to explore themes of discovery and friendship for young readers. In November 2025, he released his second children's book, Lalu Toot Toot, co-authored with his daughter , who provided the illustrations, through FriesenPress. Inspired by the origins of music, the story centers on a boy inventing the world's first using a , aiming to spark creativity in children while reflecting Dolenz's family collaborations. Additionally, Dolenz contributed to music-related publications, including the 1993 trivia book Micky Dolenz's Rock 'n Rollin' Trivia, tied to Buzztime Trivia games and focusing on rock history quizzes. He has provided and forewords for various reissue compilations and box sets, such as those curated by Andrew Sandoval, enhancing archival releases with personal anecdotes on recordings and performances to preserve the band's legacy. These writings underscore Dolenz's role in documenting Monkeemania for . In 2022, Micky Dolenz filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the FBI to obtain unredacted files related to the agency's surveillance of The Monkees during the late 1960s. The suit sought full disclosure of records, including those tied to concerns over the band's perceived anti-war activities and potential communist influences, following a partial release of heavily redacted documents in 2011 that referenced an informant's monitoring of a 1967 concert for subversive content. By 2023, the FBI had released only five additional redacted pages in response to the litigation, leaving much of the file withheld and the case highlighting ongoing government secrecy around cultural figures of the era. As the last surviving member of following the deaths of Davy Jones in 2012, in 2019, and in 2021, Dolenz has become a key steward of the band's legacy, actively challenging the long-standing "prefab four" label that dismissed the group as a manufactured act. In interviews, he emphasizes ' origins as the cast of a groundbreaking television series, crediting their genuine musical contributions and influence on pop culture, which included over 16 million albums sold in the U.S. alone during their peak. This advocacy is reflected in his 1993 autobiography, : My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness, which serves as an archival contribution to documenting the band's artistic evolution beyond initial criticisms. The Monkees received a star on the on July 10, 1989, recognizing their collective impact on television and music. In a 2025 Guardian interview reflecting on his career near his 80th birthday, Dolenz expressed contentment with the band's enduring popularity, noting live performances as his "day job" and the Monkees' role in shaping without the constraints of a traditional . His legacy also intersects with , as his performances and public persona continue to support causes like and , amplifying the Monkees' positive cultural footprint.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Micky Dolenz was born to and . He has three sisters: Gemma Marie ("Coco"), Deborah ("Debbie"), and Kathleen ("Gina"). Micky Dolenz has been married three times, with each union contributing to his family of four daughters. His first marriage was to , a British television presenter known as the "disc girl" on BBC's , from 1968 to 1975. The couple had one daughter, , born on January 8, 1969, who pursued a career as an , appearing in films and television shows such as and . In November 2025, Dolenz co-authored the children's book Lalu Toot Toot with Ami. Dolenz's second marriage, to Trina Dow from 1977 to 1991, produced three daughters: Charlotte, Emily, and Georgia. Trina Dow later became a couples therapist, retaining her married name professionally. In 2002, Dolenz married Donna Quinter, with whom he remains; the couple has no additional children. Quinter often accompanies him on tours, assisting with show preparation and providing stability amid the demands of his performing schedule. Throughout his marriages, Dolenz has navigated family life alongside an extensive touring career, with his ex-wives coordinating on raising their daughters despite the challenges of his absences. He has collaborated professionally with his youngest daughter, Georgia, and sister Coco in the family business Dolenz & Daughters Fine Furniture. Growing up in a showbiz family—his father, George Dolenz, was an actor—further shaped his approach to balancing personal and professional spheres.

Health and Philanthropy

Dolenz was diagnosed with Perthes disease as a , a condition that affects the hip joint and caused his right leg to be weaker and shorter than the left, resulting in a lifelong . This physical limitation influenced his unconventional drumming style, where he plays right-handed but left-footed to compensate for the leg disparity. In adulthood, Dolenz has managed through a regimen of moderated diet, limited alcohol consumption, and regular exercise, reporting no other serious pre-existing medical conditions. He has emphasized the importance of these habits in maintaining his active into his late seventies and beyond. Dolenz is a dedicated supporter of the , which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. In April 2024, he headlined a special "Songs and Stories" performance at the in , with all proceeds benefiting the charity; the event was later released as a live album, Micky Dolenz: Live at The Troubadour, further aiding the organization. In June 2025, on the occasion of what would have been the ' 60th anniversary, Dolenz urged fans to purchase limited-edition merchandise, directing a portion of sales to as a tribute to his late bandmates.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Micky Dolenz Puts You to Sleep (1991)
  • Demoiselle (1992)
  • Broadway Micky (1994)
  • King for a Day (2010)
  • Remember (2012)
  • Dolenz Sings Nesmith (2021)

EPs

  • Dolenz Sings (2023)

Live albums

  • A Little Bit Broadway, A Little Bit Rock & Roll: Live at (2015)
  • Live at the (2024)

Compilations

  • The MGM Singles Collection (2016)

Singles

  • "Don't Do It" / "Plastic Symphony III" (1967)
  • "Huff Puff" / "Fate (Big Ben)" (1967)

Filmography

Feature Films

  • Head (1968) – Micky
  • Night of the Strangler (1972) – Lin
  • Keep Off My Grass! (1975) – You Know
  • Deadfall (1993) – Bart
  • Halloween (2007) – Derek Allen
  • Bagboy (2015) – Dr. Steve
  • The Zombie Wedding (2023) – DJ Cricket

Shorts and Cameos

  • The Box (1981) – Director

As Himself

  • The Monkees: Live Summer Tour (2002) – Himself (concert performance from 1997 tour)

Television

Dolenz began his acting career as a child star in the NBC/ABC adventure series Circus Boy (1956–1958), portraying the orphan Corky, a young trapeze artist in a traveling circus family, under the stage name Mickey Braddock. His breakthrough came with the role of Micky, the enthusiastic drummer and vocalist, in the sitcom (1966–1968), which followed the fictionalized adventures of the pop band and became a cultural phenomenon. Post-Monkees, Dolenz made several guest appearances on popular series, including (1996), where he played a band manager; (1990); and (1990). He reunited with his bandmates for the ABC television special Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees (1997), a retrospective celebrating the group's legacy with performances and behind-the-scenes stories. Other notable guest spots include voicing characters in animated series such as The Tick (1994–1996) and appearances on variety programs like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2015, 2023).

Key Television Appearances

TitleYearsRole/Notes
Circus Boy1956–1958Corky (lead; as Mickey Braddock) – Children's western adventure series on /ABC.
The Monkees1966–1968Micky – Drummer and co-lead vocalist in the band's sitcom; 58 episodes on .
Days of Our Lives1990Guest role – on .
General Hospital1990Guest role – on ABC.
The Drew Carey Show1996Band manager – Guest spot on ABC sitcom.
Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees1997Himself – Reunion special on ABC, featuring performances and interviews.
The Tick1994–1997Arthur (voice, season 1) – Animated series.
American Idol2007Performer – Appeared in "Idol Gives Back" special on , singing "."
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon2015, 2023Himself – Guest appearances on late-night talk show.

Stage Credits

Dolenz has appeared in several notable stage productions throughout his career, primarily in musical theatre.
  • 1977: The Point!, London's Mermaid Theatre – as the Pointed Man, alongside Davy Jones as Oblio.
  • 1993: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Canadian production – lead role (Pseudolus).
  • 1994–1998: Grease, Broadway (Eugene O'Neill Theatre) and national tour – as Vince Fontaine (replacement).
  • 2001: Aida, US national tour – as Zoser.
  • 2004: Aida, Broadway – as Zoser (final cast).
  • 2006: Pippin, Goodspeed Musicals (East Haddam, CT) – as Charlemagne.
  • 2010: Hairspray, West End (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) and UK tour – as Wilbur Turnblad.

References

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