Helen Wood (June 4, 1917 – February 8, 1988)[1][2] was an American actress active in film and radio primarily during the 1930s. She is not to be confused with the actress and performer Helen [Ann] Wood (1935–1998), who later appeared in Deep Throat.
Biography
Wood was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, to Edwin Wood (who worked in real estate and insurance) and Hazel Case.[3] She had a younger sister, Mary Martha.[4]
After winning a beauty contest at Clarksville's Capitol Theatre in 1933 as a teenager, Wood earned a trip to Hollywood, where she was cast in Roman Scandals (1933). She then returned to Clarksville to finish high school. Upon her return to Hollywood after graduation, she signed a contract with MGM.[5][6]
She reportedly spent $4,000 on a vocal coach who helped her drop her Southern accent.[7] She later signed at 20th Century Fox, where she was made to compete for parts against fellow actresses Rita Hayworth (then Margarita Cansino) and Dixie Dunbar.[3] On-screen, she was frequently paired with actor Thomas Beck.[8] Supposedly she had to back out of a big role due to an illness early on in her career.[5]
She also worked in radio in the late 1930s.
Personal life
In December 1940, Wood married Dr. Alfred Huenergardt;[9] the marriage ended in divorce.[10] In October 1942, she married Dr. Erle Henriksen.[11] She died in Los Angeles on February 8, 1988.[2][12]
^"Huenergardt-Wood Vows Said Dec. 30". The Leaf-Chronicle. Clarkesville, Tennessee. January 17, 1941. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com. (subscription required)
