Ann Sheridan
She was the 'Oomph Girl' of Warner Bros., a sharp-witted leading lady who brought smarts and sass to Hollywood's golden age.
1915–1967 (age 52)·American actress and singer·Birthday: February 21·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Born Clara Lou Sheridan in Texas, she won a beauty contest that landed her a Hollywood contract, where the studio promptly changed her name to Ann. Sheridan quickly proved she was more than just a pretty face, developing a persona that mixed earthy warmth with a tart, knowing wit. Throughout the 1930s and 40s, she held her own against tough-guy co-stars like James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, often playing women who were both desirable and decisively intelligent. Her career-defining role came in 1942's 'Kings Row,' where her portrayal of Randy Monaghan showcased a depth that surprised critics who had pigeonholed her. Though her star power waned in the 1950s, Sheridan remained a beloved figure, remembered for bringing a relatable, grounded presence to the screen that made her the quintessential 'girl next door' with a spine of steel.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Ann was born in 1915, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ann Was Born
The biggest hits of 1915
#1 Movie
The Birth of a Nation
Ann's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1915Born
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Started school
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1928Became a teenager
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Could drive
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1933Could vote
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Turned 21
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1945Turned 30
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1955Turned 40
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1965Turned 50
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1967Died at 52
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
Key Achievements
- Delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Randy Monaghan in the landmark 1942 drama 'Kings Row'.
- Starred opposite James Cagney in the classic gangster film 'Angels with Dirty Faces' (1938).
- Headlined the successful noir drama 'Nora Prentiss' (1947), a role that showcased her range beyond typical glamour parts.
- Appeared in the popular comedy 'I Was a Male War Bride' (1949) alongside Cary Grant.
Did You Know?
Her nickname, the 'Oomph Girl,' was coined by Warner Bros. publicists in a 1939 marketing campaign.
She was originally a music student, studying voice at the University of North Texas.
She turned down the role of Ilsa Lund in 'Casablanca,' which later went to Ingrid Bergman.
She was one of the first Hollywood stars to host a syndicated television talk show, 'Pepsi-Cola Playhouse.'
“I'm not the oomph girl, I'm an actress. The oomph is in the eye of the beholder.”
