User:Teblick/Helen Wood (actress)

Helen Wood was an American actress.

Early years
Wood was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed T. Wood of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Career
Wood's early work in Hollywood was limited to singing and dancing in chorus lines as a Goldwyn Girl. She asked for, and received, a release from her contract, and then she hired an acting teacher who both improved her acting skills and gave her practical advice about the profession. Her acting debut came in She Married Her Boss (1935) and followed that with a role in Buccaneer, which led to her receiving a long-term contract with 20th Century Fox. She also "made a pleasant impression" in Can This Be Dixie? (1936) and was the leading lady in Champagne Charlie (1936).

In 1940, the Archie Wood Post of the American Legion in Clarksville, Tennessee, endorsed Wood for a part in the then-upcoming film about the life of Sergeant Alvin York. The letter, addressed to producer Jesse L. Lasky, noted that in addition to her acting ability, the actress was a niece of Archie Wood, for whom the post was named, and who was killed in the battle of the Forest of Argonne. Prentice Cooper, then governor of Tennessee, and "dozens of others" contacted Lasky with similar requests. Following those efforts, The Los Angeles Times reported in its December 26, 1940, edition, "Helen Wood ... has been selected as the feminine principal in the picture."

In old-time radio, Wood portrayed Elaine Dascom in Those We Love on NBC.

Personal life
In 1941, Wood married Dr. Alfred Huenergardt. The marriage ended in divorce.