Evelyn Ankers

Evelyn Ankers, often remembered as the "Queen of the Screamers," made her indelible mark on Hollywood during the golden era of classic horror cinema. Born on August 17, 1918, in Valparaíso, Chile, Ankers was the daughter of British parents. Her family moved to England when she was still a child, and it was there that she cultivated her interest in acting, taking the stage in various performances during her youth. Ankers's career in cinema began in British films during the late 1930s. She made her screen debut with a minor role in the 1936 film "Land Without Music." Her talent and ethereal, classic beauty soon caught the attention of Hollywood studios, leading her to make the transatlantic journey to America at the dawn of World War II. In the early 1940s, Ankers signed a contract with Universal Pictures, a studio that would become synonymous with classic horror. It was Universal's horror films that helped shape Ankers’s legacy, starting with her portrayal of Gwen Conliffe in the 1941 film "The Wolf Man." This role, opposite Lon Chaney Jr., not only catapulted Ankers to fame but also cemented her status as a horror film icon. "The Wolf Man" became a definitive work in the genre, and Ankers's performance as the damsel in distress became emblematic of the era's cinematic style. Following this breakthrough role, Ankers became the female lead of choice for Universal's slew of horror films throughout the 1940s. Her filmography during this period is a testament to her versatility and the genre's popularity. She appeared in titles such as "Ghost of Frankenstein" (1942), where she once again acted alongside Chaney Jr., "Son of Dracula" (1943) with Lon Chaney Jr. and another horror veteran, Bela Lugosi, and "The Invisible Man's Revenge" (1944). Her collaboration with the likes of Chaney Jr., Lugosi, and Boris Karloff became the stuff of cinematic legend. While Ankers was often cast in roles that required her to convey terror and scream in the face of monstrous menaces, her skills extended beyond that archetype. Her performances carried a depth and nuance that elevated the often formulaic scripts of the era. Her ability to portray vulnerability while sustaining a sense of poise and dignity was unmatched, earning her the affection of audiences and co-stars alike. Despite her success in horror films, Ankers was determined to avoid typecasting. She frequently sought roles outside the genre to showcase her range as an actress. Films like "Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror" (1942) allowed her to delve into suspense mystery, while "His Butler’s Sister" (1943) and "The Mad Ghoul" (1943) provided opportunities in comedy and drama, respectively. Her off-screen life intermingled with Hollywood lore as well. In 1942, Ankers married actor Richard Denning. Their marriage was a strong partnership both personal and professional, characterized by mutual support in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. The couple appeared together in several films, a testament to their shared ambition and chemistry. The mid-1940s marked a turning point for Ankers as she sought to expand her horizons beyond Hollywood. Her contract with Universal concluded in 1945, and she began exploring opportunities outside the film industry. Her interest in new ventures demonstrated her multifaceted talents, but her contribution to cinema remained intact. The rise of television presented a new frontier, and Ankers adapted to this medium with the same fervor and dedication she had applied to her film career. She made guest appearances on popular TV shows, further broadening her appeal. Ultimately, Ankers chose to step away from the frenetic pace of Hollywood to focus on family life. She and Denning relocated to Hawaii, where they settled with their daughter. Ankers's decision to retire at a time when she could have continued to find success in the industry reflects both her confidence in her body of work and her desire for a quieter, more subdued life—a true testament to her character. Evelyn Ankers passed away from ovarian cancer on August 29, 1985, in Maui, Hawaii. However, her presence remains immortalized through her contribution to cinema. To this day, her work in horror films is celebrated by enthusiasts of the genre, and her performances continue to inspire a new generation of actors and filmmakers. Ankers's legacy, rooted in her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability, assures her place among the pantheon of great performers who shaped Hollywood's history.