Harley Wood was an American actress and songwriter who is best known for her roles in films like “Marihuana,” “Mooching Through Georgia,” and “Whistling Bullets.”
Personal and Family Life
Born Evelyn Cowan on August 25, 1913, in Independence, Missouri, Wood had two marriages. She was married to Felix Jackson from 1940 to 1944 and later to Sy Miller from 1949 until his death in 1971. Wood was also known for her children from her first marriage, though specific details about her family are limited.
Career
Harley Wood began her career as a radio actress and transitioned to films in 1934. As a talented songwriter, she is credited with writing various songs, including “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” which gained significant popularity and recognition. Together with her husband Sy Miller, she co-owned a music publishing company and wrote several notable songs throughout her career.
Death and Legacy
Harley Wood passed away on April 2, 1995, in Honoka’a, Hawaii. Her contributions to both film and music have left a lasting legacy, particularly with her well-known song “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” which was recognized with a George Washington Honor Medal.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Marihuana | 1936-05-08 | Burma Roberts aka ‘Blondie’ |
| Mooching Through Georgia | 1939-08-11 | Lula Belle |
| Whistling Bullets | 1937-05-03 | Anita Saunders (as Harlene Wood) |
| Law and Lead | 1936-11-14 | Hope Hawley |
| The Law Rides | 1936-06-24 | Arline Lewis |
| Hawk of the Wilderness | 1938-12-03 | Beth Munro |
| Border Phantom | 1937-06-06 | Barbara Hartwell |
| Valley of Terror | 1937-01-20 | Mary Scott |
| The Feud of the Trail | 1937-03-01 | Sheila Granger |
| Trigger Fingers | 1939-11-01 | Jessie Bolton |
| My Man Godfrey | 1936-09-02 | Socialite (uncredited) |
| Cash and Carry | 1937-09-03 | Jimmie’s Sister (uncredited) |
| The Champ’s a Chump | 1936-06-20 | Pat |
| Dick Tracy Returns | 1938-08-19 | Girl |
| Back to the Woods | 1937-05-14 | Faith (uncredited) |