Crowned "Miss Los Angeles Press Photographer" in April 1960. Eileen O'Neill, 20, placed second and Karen Griffith, 18, placed third.
Had 2 sons in the 1960s with her husband at the time.
Her parents divorced when she was five-years-old. When her mother remarried, Darlene took her stepfather's surname, Tompkins.
Niece of actress Beverly Washburn and George Washburn.
Selected as one of the 12 "Hollywood Deb Stars on 1962". The others were Cynthia Pepper, Noreen Corcoran, Victoria Vetri, Dolores Faith, Mikki Jamison, Maureen Dawson, Cynthia Lynn, Ann Del Guercio, Joan Staley, Cheryl Holdridge and Mary Jane Saunders.
Took acting lessons from Jeff Corey.