Judith Wood, a captivating green-eyed blonde with a flair for the arts, was born Helen Johnson on August 1, 1906, in the vibrant city of New York. She received a fine arts education at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and later continued her studies in Paris for an additional two years. Upon her return to the United States, she gained experience as a fashion stylist at R. H. Macy's department store and as a commercial artist in an advertising agency.
This intelligent and alluring woman, with a keen sense of style and creativity, made her way to California, settling in the Hollywood Hills, and began her acting career in films by 1929. Within a year, she had secured leads in notable productions such as Children of Pleasure, Soldiers and Women, and Working Girls, a "women's picture" directed by the acclaimed Dorothy Arzner.
In 1931, she was voted a WAMPAS Baby Star and adopted the stage name Judith Wood. However, her year was marked by a traffic accident, resulting in a lengthy recuperation and absence from the screen.
Judith's career experienced a resurgence in late 1932 when she appeared on stage in the original Broadway production of "Dinner at Eight," playing the coveted role of Kitty Packard. She went on to secure a motion picture lead as a blackmailing ex-con in The Crime Doctor (1934).
Tragically, her career suddenly came to an abrupt end, and Judith later attributed her declining fortunes to her numerous affairs, including relationships with stars William Powell and Robert Montgomery, stating, "my entire life has been a near miss." She married the son of author Percival Christopher Wren in the late 1930s and later divorced him.
Judith attempted to revive her film career, but ultimately secured work as a radio actress and, eventually, as a costume designer, working on a wide range of projects, including operas and adult films. Despite the challenges she faced, Judith lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away at the age of 95 in Los Angeles.
