Ann Sheridan

Ann Sheridan (1915-1967) was born Clara Lou Sheridan, the name under which she was billed in 1934 and part of 1935. At 18 she won a “Search for Beauty” contest, and was rewarded with a bit part in a film by that name (1934). Signed to a contract, she appeared in small roles in more than 20 films throughout the next two years. She changed her first name and, in 1936, switched studios to Warner Bros., which launched a publicity campaign hyping her as the sexy “Oomph Girl.” Sheridan went on to a very busy career in better roles, usually cast as a wise, practical girl; her work in King’s Row (1942) best demonstrated her acting ability and opened the door to a wider variety of parts. She remained popular and busy through the early ‘50s, when available roles began drying up for her; by the mid ’50s her screen career was over. She later starred in the TV soap opera “Another World” and on “live” TV dramatic shows, and also worked in stock. At the time of her death from cancer she was starring in the TV series Pistols ’n’ Petticoats. She was married three times: to actors Edward Norris, George Brent, and Scott McKay. —allmovie guide