Full Breakdown
Zale Parry, Trailblazing Diver and Underwater Stuntwoman, Dies at 93
8/17/2026, 12:11:25 AM
Zale Parry’s Passing
Zale Parry died on July 20 at her home in Tillamook, Oregon, at the age of 93. Her granddaughter, Katherine Maloney, confirmed the death.
Pioneering Diving Career
Parry emerged as one of the first women featured on the cover of *Sports Illustrated*, a milestone that helped launch a Hollywood career. She doubled for Sophia Loren in the 1957 film *Boy on a Dolphin* and co-starred with Lloyd Bridges on the television series *Sea Hunt*. Earlier, in 1951, she worked as a secretary at Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California, before transitioning into professional diving.
Participation in LSD Research
During the 1950s, Parry took part in a psychedelic study led by psychiatrist Oscar Janiger, who administered LSD to more than 900 subjects in Los Angeles, including actors such as Cary Grant, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper.
Legacy and Impact
Parry’s contributions to underwater performance and her willingness to explore altered states of consciousness left a lasting imprint on both the diving community and popular culture. Her career bridged the worlds of sport, entertainment, and scientific experimentation, illustrating how personal curiosity can intersect with broader cultural movements.
