Biography

First met June Allyson on the set of Little Women (1949). June was a major star at MGM. Dirk, who was visiting his grandfather, Harry Davenport, on the film set, was just 17. Dirk bore a striking resemblance to Van Johnson, June's favorite on-screen partner. They were together from 1962-75. During this time, June went through a bitter court battle with her mother over custody of her son, Richard Powell, and adopted daughter, Pamela Powell. June's mother told the court that June "was an unfit mother". The judge apparently agreed and court records show that Dirk was named legal guardian for Richard Powell and Pamela Powell. This long-drawn out legal case and June's increasing alcoholism caused a major break in their relationship. Dirk finally moved on.

Always ahead of his time, Mr. Summers created two "boy-bands" in the early 1980s - "Outre" and "The Wumblies" - long before *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and others filled this market in the late 1990s.

Son of Kate Davenport. Cousin of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Wallace Reid Jr.. Grandson of Harry Davenport and Phyllis Rankin. Great-grandson of McKee Rankin. Nephew of Ned Davenport, Ann Davenport, Dorothy Davenport, Wallace Reid and Arthur Rankin. Great-nephew of Mrs. Sidney Drew and Doris Rankin.

He has received two EMMY nominations: for writing; and for producing; the 1972 film Survival of Spaceship Earth (1972).

Because Chicago was home to Radio in its early days, as a child actor Dirk spent each "radio-season" (from September to May) in the 'Windy City.' His grandmother, Georgianna Hall, who mostly raised him, decided to turn over Dirk's formal education to the Jesuits and Religious School.