Barbara Worth was an American actress best known for her roles in “The Fighting Trooper,” “Men of Action,” and “Racing Luck.” Born Verna Louise Dooley, she had a diverse career spanning acting and screenwriting.
Personal and Family Life
Barbara Worth was born on January 6, 1906, in Columbus, Ohio. When she was a child, her family moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where her father worked for the railroad, and later to Arkansas. In 1926, she married film critic Tamar Lane, but the couple later divorced. In 1944, she married producer Maurice Conn, with whom she co-wrote several films.
Career
Barbara began her career in the film industry in the 1920s, working as a leading lady in various B-movies and westerns. In 1922, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, signing a contract with Universal Pictures shortly after. Despite her talents and efforts, most of her roles were in low-budget films, and she struggled to achieve major star status. She transitioned to screenwriting in the late 1940s but faced challenges in her personal life as she dealt with depression.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Barbara Worth passed away on February 15, 1955, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 49, resulting from a drug overdose. Her life was marked by both achievement and personal struggles. She was cremated and laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Fighting Trooper | 1934-11-01 | Diane La Farge |
| Men of Action | 1935-07-13 | Ann Evans |
| Racing Luck | 1935-11-19 | June Curtis |
| The Prairie King | 1927-05-15 | Edna Jordan |
| I Live My Life | 1935-10-04 | Mrs. Waterbury (Uncredited) |
| Below the Deadline | 1929-01-02 | Claire Byron |
| Broken Hearts of Hollywood | 1926-08-14 | Molly |
| The Fearless Rider | 1928-01-15 | Kate Lane |
| On Your Toes! | 1927-11-27 | Mary Sullivan |
| Fast and Furious | 1927-06-12 | Ethel |
| Plunging Hoofs | 1929-04-10 | Nanette |