What Happened to Vikki Dougan?

The model once known as “The Back” on a Hollywood career cut short.

The evening of Feb. 28, 1957 in Los Angeles was a balmy one, and the 14th annual Golden Globes awards were in progress at the Ambassador Hotel. Inside, a nervous Hollywood newcomer named Vikki Dougan was about to present the award for Best Supporting Actor to Earl Holliman for his performance in “The Rainmaker.” Ms. Dougan had slipped on a pink satin backless dress for the special occasion — one of several she’d had custom-made after signing a contract with John Wayne’s production company, Batjac — and covered her shoulders with a mink stole. Before making her way to the stage to present, she realized she wouldn’t be able to hand off the award, shake Holliman’s hand and hold up her shawl at the same time. She gently let the mantle fall from her shoulders to the ground, revealing her toned, taut and impossibly shapely back as she made her way to the stage.