Helen Ainsworth | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Ainsworth in 1954 | |
| Born | Helen Shumate (1901-10-10)October 10, 1901 San Jose, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 18, 1961(1961-08-18) (aged 59) Hollywood,California, U.S. |
| Other names | Cupid Ainsworth |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1929–1961 |
Helen Ainsworth[1] (bornHelen Shumate; October 10, 1901[citation needed] – August 18, 1961), also known asCupid Ainsworth, was a stage and motion picture actress.
Born Helen Shumate,[2] inSan Jose, California, she was the only child of Albert and Ida Shumate. Her father was the school superintendent in San Jose before he joined a company that published college textbooks. Ainsworth attended Madam Plesse's School for Girls in Seattle and studied journalism atMills College in Oakland.[3]
Ainsworth began her career doing a song-and-dance act with a man. After a producer saw her perform, she gained a part in a play, earning $85 per week. She went to Los Angeles as a comedienne, dancer, and singer when she was 19 years old.[1] In Hollywood, she acted for RKO-Pathé studios and had her own radio progran on NBC.[3]
Dancer Robert Galer and Ainsworth formed a partnership to operate a hat shop on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Among their customers were film celebrities and studios, including providing all of the hats forGone with the Wind. The company expanded to six locations before adding a wholesale operation that supplied hats toMay department stores. Ainsworth and Gaier eventually sold the operation to a New York designer.[3]
After selling the hat company, Ainsworth became an agent.[3] She headed the West Coast office of the National Concert and Artists Corporation for almost five years.[1] Actors represented by her includedGuy Madison,Marilyn Monroe,Rhonda Fleming,Carol Channing andHoward Keel.[4] Her agency was in Beverly Hills.[5]
Madison and Ainsworth formed Romson Productions to make films. Initial plans had the company making six full-length features in 1956.[3] Films produced by Ainsworth includedThe 27th Day.[6] Ainsworth also headed the Helen Ainsworth Corporation, which distributed films and television programs.[5]
Ainsworth died on August 18, 1961, aged 59, from undisclosed causes.[1]
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