Doran was born in New York and attended public schools there before graduating and going to Columbia University.

She left Columbia after three years[2] to pursue a career on stage.

She sang and danced in Belle Baker's Betsy when it was in New York.

[3] Doran's films included Broadway Melody, Half a Bride, and The Trial of Mary Dugan.

[5] On August 15, 1931, Doran married Joseph Sherman in San Diego, California.