Helen Burgess was an American actress who is best known for her role in The Plainsman, as well as other films like A Doctor’s Diary and King of Gamblers.
Personal and Family Life
Helen Burgess was born on April 26, 1916, in Portland, Oregon. She was married briefly to pianist Herbert Rutherford in 1937, but their marriage lasted only a week before being annulled. Her sister, Stella Mary Burgess, also had a small role in a film called Reap the Wild Wind in 1942.
Career Highlights
Helen was discovered by producer Cecil B. DeMille at the age of 19 and made her film debut in The Plainsman (1936), where she played Louisa Cody, the wife of Buffalo Bill Cody. She appeared in several other films, such as A Doctor’s Diary and King of Gamblers, but only made four films during her short career. Tragically, she was filming Night of Mystery when she caught a serious illness that cut her life short.
Death and Legacy
Helen Burgess died on April 7, 1937, from lobar pneumonia, just weeks before her 21st birthday. Her death came shortly after the release of her first and most notable film, The Plainsman. She was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, leaving behind a legacy of talent that many speculate could have flourished with time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Plainsman | 1936-11-16 | Louisa Cody |
| Night of Mystery | 1937-05-21 | Ada Greene |
| King of Gamblers | 1937-04-22 | Jackie Nolan |
| A Doctor’s Diary | 1937-02-16 | Ruth Hanlon |