Judy Canova was an American actress who is best known for her roles in films like “Sis Hopkins,” “Scatterbrain,” and “Carolina Cannonball.” With her unique blend of humor and music, she became a beloved star in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Born Juliette Canova on November 20, 1913, in Starke, Florida, she was the youngest child of Joseph and Henrietta Canova. Encouraged by her mother, who was a singer, Judy joined her siblings in performing as the Three Georgia Crackers. Over the years, she was married four times and had two daughters, Julieta “Tweeny” Canova and Diana Canova.
Career Highlights
Judy Canova began her career in vaudeville and radio, eventually becoming popular in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s. She starred in numerous films, showcasing her comedic talents and singing, most notably in her radio show “The Judy Canova Show,” which ran for 12 years. Although her films were often not critically acclaimed, she earned a devoted fan base that cherished her unique style.
Death and Legacy
Judy Canova passed away on August 5, 1983, in Hollywood, California, due to cancer. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to film and radio, earning two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her legacy lives on through her work in entertainment and the impact she had on audiences during her lifetime.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cannonball | 1976-07-06 | Sharma Capri |
| The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | 1960-07-21 | Sheriff’s Wife |
| Louisiana Hayride | 1944-07-13 | Judy Crocker |
| Joan of Ozark | 1942-07-15 | Judy Hull |
| The WAC From Walla Walla | 1952-10-10 | Judy Canova |
| Carolina Cannonball | 1955-01-28 | Judy Canova |
| Artists & Models | 1937-08-04 | Toots |
| Going Highbrow | 1935-07-06 | Annie |
| Sis Hopkins | 1941-04-12 | Sis Hopkins |
| In Caliente | 1935-05-25 | Specialty Singer |
| Oklahoma Annie | 1952-03-24 | Judy Canova |
| Hit the Hay | 1945-11-29 | Judy Stevens / Helen Rand |
| Thrill of a Lifetime | 1937-12-03 | Judy Canova |
| Scatterbrain | 1940-07-20 | Judy Hull |
| Lay That Rifle Down | 1955-07-07 | Judy Canova |
| Broadway Gondolier | 1935-07-27 | Hillbilly Specialty |
| Puddin’ Head | 1941-06-25 | Judy Goober |
| Untamed Heiress | 1954-03-31 | Judy |
| Chatterbox | 1943-04-27 | Judy Boggs |
| True to the Army | 1942-03-21 | Daisy Hawkins |
| Singin’ in the Corn | 1946-12-26 | Judy McCoy |
| Sleepytime Gal | 1942-03-05 | Bessie Cobb |
| Sleepy Lagoon | 1943-09-05 | Judy Joyner |
| Honeychile | 1951-10-20 | Judy Canova |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Helen Parch |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | P. J. Muldoon |
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Country Girl |