Canadian-born activist, actor and model Dayle Haddon dead at 76
Dayle Haddon, a Canadian-born actor, activist, and trailblazing former Sports Illustrated model, has tragically passed away at the age of 76 in a Pennsylvania home due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities in Bucks County discovered Haddon’s lifeless body in a second-floor bedroom after receiving a report of an unconscious person at the Solebury Township residence. Walter J. Blucas, a 76-year-old man from Erie, Pa., was also found at the scene and rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The investigation revealed that a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the deadly carbon monoxide leak, leading to Haddon’s untimely demise. Two medics and a police officer were also treated for exposure to the toxic gas. Haddon, known for gracing the covers of top fashion magazines in the 1970s and 1980s and starring in several films, including the acclaimed “Bullets Over Broadway,” had left the modeling industry after becoming a mother in the mid-1970s. However, she was forced to make a comeback following her husband’s passing in 1991, only to face age discrimination in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Haddon persevered and advocated for older models, becoming a spokesperson for the aging population. She secured contracts with major cosmetic companies like Clairol, Estee Lauder, and L’Oreal, promoting anti-aging products and hosting beauty segments on CBS’s “The Early Show.” In 2008, she founded WomenOne, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in underserved communities around the world.
Born in Canada, Haddon initially pursued modeling to fund her ballet training and later transitioned into a successful career in both industries. Her daughter, Ryan, described her as a beacon of inspiration and a champion for many. In a heartfelt social media post, Ryan paid tribute to her mother’s remarkable legacy, highlighting her compassionate nature, profound impact on others, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Dayle Haddon’s legacy will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
