Helen Twelvetrees

About Helen Twelvetrees

Killed herself with an overdose of sedatives in 1958



Helen Twelvetrees (born Helen Marie Jurgens on December 25, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York – February 13, 1958) was an American stage and screen actress who became a prominent star in the early sound film era, particularly during the Pre-Code years of the late 1920s and 1930s. Known for her expressive eyes, emotional depth, and ability to portray vulnerable, suffering heroines, she often played tragic or hard-luck women in melodramas—earning her a reputation as one of Hollywood's quintessential "sob sisters" or weepy ingenues.
A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (where she met her first husband, actor Clark Twelvetrees, whose surname she kept professionally after their divorce), she started on stage before transitioning to films in 1929. She starred in over 30 features for studios like RKO, Fox, and Paramount, often in leading roles opposite big names like Clark Gable (State's Attorney, 1932), Spencer Tracy, and Ricardo Cortez. Standout films include:
Her Man (1930) – a gritty Pre-Code romance that showcased her dramatic range
Millie (1931) – a bold story of a woman's independence and struggles
Bad Company (1931)
A Woman of Experience (1931)
Now I'll Tell (1934) – one of her last major roles
She also had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Motion Pictures category, awarded posthumously in recognition of her early talkie contributions).
Her career slowed in the mid-1930s as her type of roles fell out of favor, leading her to retire from films around 1939 after a handful of B-pictures. She later appeared in occasional stage work and radio but largely stepped away from the spotlight, marrying twice more (to Frank Woody and, finally, to Air Force officer Conrad Payne in the 1950s) and living a quieter life.
Tragically, suffering from a long-standing kidney ailment and reportedly addicted to painkillers/sedatives, she died at age 49 in Middletown, Pennsylvania (at Olmsted Air Force Base Hospital, where her husband was stationed). On February 13, 1958, she was found unconscious after taking an overdose of sedatives; the coroner ruled it a suicide. Her remains were cremated, and her funeral was small, attended only by her widower and a close friend.
Her legacy lives on through her poignant Pre-Code performances, archived films, and the nostalgia for early sound-era Hollywood—fans remember her for that raw emotional intensity and timeless beauty.
Rest in peace, Helen—your heartfelt portrayals and pioneering work in the dawn of talkies continue to move classic film lovers. 🎥💔✨ HelenTwelvetrees PreCodeStar #HollywoodLegend