Ann Sheridan, Thank Your Lucky Stars
Ann Sheridan was Clara Lou Sheridan on February 21, 1915 in Denton, Texas. Nicknamed the “Oomph Girl,” Ann’s beautiful sultry looks may have helped her break into movies (she won the “Search for Beauty” contest which awarded her a Paramount screen test) but her undeniable talent kept her there.
She was signed to a contract at the young age of 18. While she was racked up a number of small roles under her real name of Clara Lou Sheridan, in 1945, her name was changed to Ann.
In 1936, after several dozen films, she went to Warner Brothers. It was here when she received her nickname the “Oomph Girl” – a name she absolutely despised.
She was dropped by Warner Bros. in 1948, but came back in Howard Hawks’ hilarious comedy I Was a Male War Bride (1949) with Cary Grant.
“I used to go to Grauman’s Chinese or Pantages and sit there waiting to see my faceless body on the screen. Texas began to look awfully near and awfully good, and “Clara Lou” had a sweet sound to my ears.” ~ Ann Sheridan
Fast Facts About Ann Sheridan
- Height: 5′ 5½”
- Was named Max Factor’s Girl of the Year in 1939.
- While at Paramount, she was used as a body double (hands, legs, shoulders).
- She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7024 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.
- After making San Quentin (1937) with Humphrey Bogart, the two became friends and began referring to each other as “Sister Annie” and “Brother Bogie”.
- According to an article in The Newark Evening News, she spent her off-time during the 1941 strike from Warner Brothers rebuilding abandoned cars at a friend’s garage!
- She had a noticeable gap between her front teeth, so she wore a porcelain cap when having her picture taken.
- Ann Sheridan passed away on January 21, 1967, a month away from what would have been her 52nd birthday on February 21.
- She was considered for the role of Isla (Casablanca) and Scarlett (Gone with the Wind).
Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and George Raft – They Drive by Night
A Few Recommended Ann Sheridan Movies
Nora Prentiss (DVD on Amazon)
Woman on the Run (Movie on Prime)
King’s Row (Movie on Prime)
Pistols and Petticoats (Movie on Prime)
It All Came True (Movie on Prime)
Castle on the Hudson (Movie on Prime)
They Drive by Night (DVD on Amazon) or Prime
Thank Your Lucky Stars (Blu-Ray on Amazon)