Columnist Of Film Gossip Dead

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30975, 3 February 1966, Page 5

Columnist Of Film Gossip Dead

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 2.

A film gossip columnist, Hedda Hopper, aged 75, died yesterday of pneumonia.

Mliss Hopper, whose frequent feuds with the stars themselves made international headlines, had been rushed to hospital on Sunday morning suffering from acute pneumonia and was placed in an oxygen tent. She slipped in and out of a coma for more than 48 hours.

Beloved by some, feared by others, the colourful columnist considered herself a one-woman watchdog society for the movie colony which she adored and protected with maternal ferocity, United Press International said.

Large, elaborate hats were her trademark and feuds and squabbles with the stars her professional delight, fa recent years she was* seen occasionally playing herself

in films and making guest

on television.

Born on June 2, 1890, Miss Hopper made her way to Broadway during the First World War.

She appeared in a succession of shows, including “Be Calm,” “The Quaker Giri,” and “Six-Cylinder Love.” Her career brought her to Hollywood in the silent days and she went on to play leading ladies to such pictures as “Virtuous Wives,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Don Juan,” “Giris Gone Wild,” “Hss Glorious Night,” and "Song of Kentucky.” When her acting career began to wane, she turned to writing a gossip column to competition with Loueila Parsons—who is now gravely

herself. She claimed 36 million read her syndicated column.

MIGHTKN yeur mornings . . . widen your world . . . enjoy the wonderful convenience of “The Press’' home delivery. Phone