Ann Woodward’s life was a tapestry woven with glamour, drama, and tragedy. Rising from humble origins in Kansas, she became an influential figure in New York’s high society, only for her story to culminate in a shocking suicide in 1975. Truman Capote’s exposé “La Côte Basque 1965” added another layer of scandal to her tumultuous existence.
The Rise of Ann Woodward: From Kansas to New York
Born Angeline Lucille Crowell in 1915, Ann ventured from Pittsburg, Kansas, to New York City in 1937. Her journey involved stints as a model, radio actress, and showgirl, earning her the title of “The Most Beautiful Girl in Radio” in 1940.
Fate introduced her to William Woodward Jr., son of wealthy banker and horse breeder William Woodward Sr. Ann’s marriage to Billy in 1943 thrust her into the elite realm of “the swans,” alongside social luminaries like Babe Paley and Slim Keith. Initial skepticism from old money circles did little to deter her ascent.
The Tragic Night: Billy Woodward’s Untimely Death
October 30, 1955, marked the turning point in Ann’s life. Returning from a party, she fatally shot her husband, Billy, under circumstances clouded by ambiguity. Despite Ann’s claim of a mistaken identity, rumors of intentional murder surfaced. The incident, though ruled an accident by the police and grand jury, ignited a media storm.
Billy’s mother, Elsie Woodward, publicly supported Ann but privately severed familial ties, suspecting her daughter-in-law’s guilt. The aftermath left Ann isolated, facing accusations that hinted at infidelity, drug addiction, and mental health struggles.
Truman Capote’s Betrayal: “La Côte Basque 1965”
Enter Truman Capote, a renowned writer and confidant of the swans. Promising a sympathetic portrayal, Capote interviewed Ann for his novel “Answered Prayers.”
However, his betrayal unfolded when he published excerpts in Esquire, unveiling thinly veiled accounts of the swans’ scandals. Ann, under the guise of “Ann Hopkins,” became entwined in the narrative of her husband’s alleged murder.
The Final Act: Ann’s Heartbreaking Suicide
On October 10, 1975, four days before the damning publication, Ann ingested cyanide in her Fifth Avenue apartment, leaving a remorseful note. Her death, ruled a suicide, plunged the public into speculation about a potential murder staged to silence her.
Ann Woodward’s demise marked the conclusion of a perplexing saga, leaving behind unanswered questions about her true nature. Was she a victim of circumstance, a devoted wife, or a calculating schemer?
Her enigmatic legacy continues to evoke intrigue and controversy, ensuring her place in the annals of mysterious socialites.
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