Hedda Hopper

Hedda Hopper (May 2, 1885 - February 1, 1966) was born Elda Furry in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She was active on the stage before her marriage in 1913 to matinee idol DeWolf Hopper, whom she divorced in 1921. She made her screen debut in 1916 with Battle of Hearts and appeared in supporting roles in dozens of films through the early 1930s, usually portraying society women. In 1937 she started a career as a gossip columnist, and in 1939 The Hedda Hopper Show debuted with Hopper as host, running until 1951. She remained active as a writer until her death, producing six daily columns and a Sunday column for the Chicago Tribune syndicate, as well as writing for celebrity magazines like Photoplay. She also had several acting roles during the latter part of her career, and made a cameo appearance in the 1950s television show I Love Lucy.