Hedda Hopper (1890-1966) was born Elda Furry in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She was active on the stage before her marriage in 1913 to matinee idol DeWolf Hopper, whose name she took as her own and whom she divorced in 1921. The actress 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 distinguished-looking society women. As her film career petered out in the mid-1930s, Hopper looked for other sources of income, and in 1937 embarked on a new career as a gossip columnist. She remained active as a columnist and fan magazine writer until her death, producing six daily columns and a Sunday column—for the "Chicago Tribune" syndicate—as well as countless articles for popular and fan magazines.