Ann Woodward Husband: Meet William Woodward Jr.

Ann Eden Woodward, an American socialite, showgirl, model, and radio actress, had a significant and controversial chapter in her life tied to her marriage to William Woodward Jr.

Ann and William tied the knot in 1943 at St Luke’s Memorial Episcopal Church in Tacoma, Washington. The marriage, initially met with disapproval from New York high society, had its challenges.

Ann’s mother-in-law, Elizabeth “Elsie” Ogden Cryder Woodward, a prominent figure in New York society, objected to the union. However, despite the initial resistance, Ann eventually found acceptance in elite social circles and became a leading figure in high society.

The couple had two sons together, named William Woodward III and James Woodward. Despite their social standing, the Woodwards’ marriage was far from idyllic.

Both partners engaged in extramarital affairs, adding strain to their relationship. In 1947, William Jr. sought a divorce, but Ann refused to grant it, further complicating their tumultuous union.

William Woodward Jr. was not only known for his marriage to Ann but was also the heir to the Hanover National Bank fortune, later known as Manufacturer’s Hanover.

He had significant holdings, including the Belair Estate and stud farm, and was recognized as a decorated war veteran and a prominent figure in racing circles.

The tragic end to the Woodward marriage occurred on the night of October 30, 1955. After attending a dinner party for the Duchess of Windsor, the couple returned to their Oyster Bay home, apprehensive about reports of a prowler in the vicinity.

Both armed with shotguns, the Woodwards retired to their separate bedrooms. In the early hours of the morning, Ann, hearing a noise on the roof, confronted what she believed to be a prowler in the darkened hallway.

In a tragic turn of events, she fired her gun, fatally shooting her husband. The incident, later dubbed the “Shooting of the Century” by Life magazine, shocked high society and garnered widespread media attention.

Upon the arrival of the police, Ann was found holding her husband’s body, admitting to the shooting, claiming she thought he was a burglar. The shooting of William Woodward Jr. marked a tragic end to a marriage that had already weathered its share of controversies and challenges.