Frances Helm was an American actress who had a long and diverse career in stage, film, and television. She passed away on December 30, 2006, at the age of 83, after a long illness. Her death was only recently announced by her family in March 2007.
Early Life and Career
Frances Helm was born on October 14, 1923, in Panama City, Florida. She moved to Richmond, Virginia, with her family when she was young and attended William and Mary College. She studied drama and performed in various plays and radio shows. She moved to New York City in 1944 and continued her training at Columbia University.
She made her Broadway debut in 1955, as an ingenue in “Inherit The Wind” with Paul Muni. She later appeared in other Broadway plays, such as “You Can’t Take it With You” with Jason Robards and “Morning’s At Seven” with Maureen O’Sullivan. She also worked in regional theater and toured with John Forsythe in “Mr Roberts” and Miriam Hopkins in “Look Homeward, Angel”.
She transitioned to television in the 1950s and appeared in many popular shows, such as “Gunsmoke”, “Kojak”, “Sunset Strip”, and “Perry Mason”. She also had roles in soap operas, such as “Edge of Night” and “All My Children”. Her most recent role was as Mia Farrow’s mother, Maureen O’Sullivan, in the TV film “Love and Betrayal: the Mia Farrow Story” in 1995.
She also had a few film roles, such as in “The Strange One” (1957), “The Young Savages” (1961), and “The Cardinal” (1963).
Personal Life and Legacy
Frances Helm was married twice. Her first husband was Robert Alba Keith, an actor and director, whom she married in 1948 and divorced in 1954. Her second husband was Walter C. Wallace, an attorney and former Assistant Secretary of Labor, whom she married in 1963. She had one daughter, Francesca Wallace, who survives her.
Frances Helm was a member of The Players Club, where she served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. She was also involved in various charitable and social causes.
Frances Helm was a versatile and talented actress who had a rich and varied career in the entertainment industry. She was admired by her peers and loved by her fans. She will be remembered for her contributions to the art of acting and her passion for life.
