Person Biography:
Jody Lawrance, born Nona Josephine Goddard, was a "B"-level leading lady in the 1950s. She was known for her exotic eyes and lovely diversion in manly adventure movies. However, her career was plagued by personal turmoil and studio conflicts, ultimately leading to her departure from the limelight.
Early Life:
Jody was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Ervin S. ("Doc") and Eleanor (née Roeck) Goddard. Her childhood was troubled and disruptive, with her parents divorcing when she was a child. Her father, an amateur inventor and research engineer, later married Grace McGee, who had a foster child, Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Jeane Baker).
Career:
Jody began her career as a swimmer and appeared in a water show operated by Larry Crosby. She was awarded her first on-camera professional part on the TV show "The Silver Theatre" in 1949. She changed her name to Jody Lawrance and signed a 7-year contract with Columbia Studios at $250 per week.
Jody made four strong films in 1951, including "Mask of the Avenger," "The Family Secret," "Ten Tall Men," and "The Son of Dr. Jekyll." However, her career problems surfaced when she was assigned to a lackluster role in the musical "All Ashore" in 1953. She refused the assignment, citing a lack of confidence in her singing and dancing abilities, and was subsequently released from her contract.
After her contract was terminated, Jody's film career declined, and she appeared in a series of low-budget films, including "Captain John Smith and Pocahontas" and "The Scarlet Hour." She revived her look on screen as a blonde again and was promoted as one of the "Deb Stars of 1955." However, things fell apart once more when Paramount released her the following year, and she became pregnant and married secretly.
Personal Life:
Jody married Bruce Tilton in 1956 and had a daughter, Victoria, the following year. However, the marriage dissolved in 1958, and a bitter custody suit ensued. She married Robert Wolf Herre in 1962 and had two more children, Robert Jr. and Abigail.
Later Life:
Jody's last screen role was in the western "Stagecoach to Dancers' Rock" in 1962. She appeared in isolated TV roles and eventually retired from the entertainment industry. She died on July 10, 1986, at the age of 55.
