Known as 'The worst Director - ever' Edward D Wood Jr has become increasingly popular after Tim Burton's Ed Wood (1994.) He was ignored throughout his life, his work being unrecognisable and dying a penniless man in 1978. His work was then rediscovered in 1980's, and he was named "The Worlds Worst Director of all time."
After fighter in WW2, he attempted to be known in the Film industry. His first chance finally came to him when he was given the chance to direct a film based upon the Christine Jorgensen sex-change. This resulted in 'Glen or Glenda,' an insight to Wood's own personality and situation of life. When people realised this film was about Transvestism (an absurd subject to be talked about in the 1950’s) they were Shocked and Aplalled, Although there were the select few who stood by him...
After Glen or Glenda, there came many other low-budgeted and talent less films, and as he tried desperately to make it big, things weren’t going his way at all. Once Bela Lugosi had passed away, he used his last ever filming on a Film ‘Bride of the monster.’ Wood claimed ‘This is the film I will be remembered for.’
In 1956 he married Kathy O’Hara, who became Kathy Wood.
Life got increasingly worse for Wood, and as a last resort he would write scripts over a period of a day, and sell them for pennies, just to get by. As well as his Career going down hill, so was his Health. He drank vast amounts of Alcohol with the money he did earn, and he and Kathy bearly ate.
When he died in 1978, after his heart failed, the local newspaper failed to run his obituary.
Ed wood wasn’t successful when he was alive, and certainly didn’t get the fame he deserved.
People now know Wood as ‘The Worlds worst director.’ They are fascinated by the way he lived and the bizarre Stories and Films he made.
Fact file.
Born on the 10th October 1924, in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA.
Died 10th December 1978, North Hollywood, California.
He was a Director, Actor and Writer.
