Dana Hill, the daughter of a commercial director, started her acting journey as a teenager after diabetes unfortunately cut short her dreams of pursuing an athletic career. At first, Dana appeared in guest roles on various TV shows, but by the early 1980s, she began landing more substantial parts—marking a real turning point in her young career. One of her standout roles during this period was Gabrielle “Gabby” Gallagher in the sitcom The Two of Us, which aired from 1981 to 1982 and helped put Dana Hill on the map. Around the same time, Dana Hill earned widespread critical praise for her powerful performance in the made-for-TV movie Fallen Angel. In it, she portrayed Jennifer Phillips, a timid 12-year-old girl who becomes the target of child predators—a role that showcased her remarkable emotional depth. Interestingly, even though Dana was actually 17 when the film premiered, her appearance, influenced by her ongoing battle with diabetes, gave her a convincingly youthful look that added authenticity to the character.
As the years went on, Dana Hill continued to build an impressive resume with several dramatic roles that demonstrated her range. In 1982, she delivered a compelling performance in Shoot the Moon, playing the emotionally charged daughter of a couple going through a painful separation. Then, in 1983, Dana Hill co-starred in Cross Creek, an Oscar-nominated drama where she played Ellie, a teenage girl forming a touching bond with a pet deer. This role further solidified her reputation as a talented young actress capable of handling complex material. Moving into the mid-1980s, Dana Hill took on a more mainstream, comedic part as Audrey Griswold in European Vacation, the second installment of the beloved National Lampoon series starring Chevy Chase. The film performed well commercially, bringing Dana Hill to an even wider audience.
However, due to persistent health challenges related to her diabetes, Dana Hill gradually shifted her focus toward voice acting in the years that followed. This transition turned out to be a smart and successful move. Over the next decade or so, Dana Hill became incredibly active in animation, lending her voice to numerous beloved characters. She was especially prominent in Disney productions, most notably voicing Max Goof, the energetic pre-teen protagonist in Goof Troop. Fans also came to recognize Dana Hill’s voice in Darkwing Duck, another popular Disney series. Additionally, she contributed to the Nickelodeon hit Rugrats, providing voices for multiple supporting characters throughout the show’s run. Through it all, Dana Hill remained a dedicated performer, leaving behind a legacy defined by both resilience and talent.
When it comes to Dana Hill’s career highlights, one title really stands out—her highest rated movie is Shoot the Moon from 1982. It’s often regarded as a standout moment in her filmography, showcasing her talent in a deeply emotional and compelling role. On the other hand, Dana Hill was also involved in Tom and Jerry: The Movie, released in 1992, which unfortunately ended up being her lowest rated film. While the project had its charm, especially for fans of the classic cartoon duo, critics and audiences alike didn’t respond as positively. So, when you look at Dana Hill’s body of work, the contrast between these two films really illustrates the range she experienced throughout her career. Dana Hill definitely left a mark, with Shoot the Moon shining as a personal best and Tom and Jerry: The Movie serving as a more forgettable entry. Dana Hill’s contributions, though varied, remain memorable for different reasons.