Texas native, Ann Sheridan (born Clara Lou Sheridan), landed a small role in Paramount film Search for Beauty after her sister entered Sheridan’s photo into a beauty contest.
After the film’s release in 1934, Paramount signed the 19-year-old to a $75/week contract. After appearing in bit parts for Paramount over the next two years, Sheridan signed with Warner Bros. At her new studio, Sheridan gained more traction, moving to lead parts in B movies before landing a supporting role in Letter of Introduction in 1938. Sheridan’s performance impressed executives, and she was soon cast opposite James Cagney in 1938 critically acclaimed crime drama, Angels with Dirty Faces.
In 1939, Sheridan was voted the actress with the most “oomph” in America (“oomph” being “a certain indefinable something that commands male interest”), inspiring 250 marriage proposals from fans in a single week.
By the 1940s, Sheridan was a certified star.
Sheridan continued acting over the next two and half decades until her final appearance in 1966 Western television series, Pistols ’n’ Petticoats. During filming, Sheridan was diagnosed with esophadeal cancer and died in in 1967.
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