Ann Sheridan, born Clara Lou Sheridan (1915-1967), was an American actress who rose to fame in the 1940s as the "Oomph Girl." Under contract with Warner Bros., she became known for her beauty and vibrant spirit, specializing in roles of strong and independent women. Her career took off in the late 1930s with films such as *Angels with Dirty Faces* (1938). She reached the peak of her success in highly acclaimed films, including the film noir *They Drive by Night* (1940), the drama *Kings Row* (1942), considered one of her best performances, *The Man Who Came to Dinner* (1942), and the comedy *I Was a Male War Bride* (1949) alongside Cary Grant. Although she never received an Oscar nomination, her performance in *Come Next Spring* (1956) earned her a Best Actress nomination from the National Board of Review. Her career also continued in television until her premature death. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.