Helen Twelvetrees, born Helen Marie Jurgens on December 25, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American actress who starred in Hollywood films during the sound film era from 1929 to 1939. She adopted her stage name after marrying actor Clark Twelvetrees in 1927.

Her early life was marked by tragedy when her family's apartment caught fire in 1919, resulting in the death of her younger brother. She attended Brooklyn Heights Seminary and later the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Her film career began with her first movie, "The Ghost Talks" (1929), followed by "Words and Music" and "Blue Skies" the same year. She was known for her roles as suffering women, reflecting her own tumultuous personal life.

Some of her notable films include "Her Man" (1930), "Millie" (1931), and "State's Attorney" (1932), where she starred opposite John Barrymore. Despite her talent, her career faced challenges, and she struggled with the changing dynamics of Hollywood.

Her personal life was equally eventful; she married and divorced twice before her final marriage to Conrad Ralph Payne in 1947. Her life was marked by struggles with alcoholism, and she tragically died by an overdose of sedatives on February 13, 1958, at the age of 49.