Elaine Elizabeth Shepard (April 2, 1913 – September 6, 1998) was a notable actress of Broadway and film during the 1930s and 1940s, later transitioning into a successful career as a journalist and author. Her acting debut occurred in 1936 with the Republic serial *Darkest Africa*, where she portrayed the character Valerie Tremaine. Following this, Shepard secured leading roles in various films, including the 1940 comedy *You Can't Fool Your Wife*, which starred Lucille Ball. She also appeared in supporting roles in significant productions, such as a secretary in *Topper* and had uncredited parts in *Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo* and the 1946 *Ziegfeld Follies*. One of her more notable performances was in the musical *Seven Days Ashore*, where she played the lead romantic interest for a group of sailors on leave.
In addition to her film work, Shepard made minor contributions to Broadway, including a role in the 1940 Cole Porter musical *Panama Hattie*. Eventually, she stepped away from acting to pursue freelance journalism, gaining recognition for her coverage of the Vietnam War. Her experiences during this tumultuous period culminated in her 1967 book *The Doom Pussy*, an account that uniquely captured the early days of aviation in the conflict and introduced the phrase "the whole nine yards."
