Audra Lindley was a beloved actress who starred in many Broadway plays, films, and TV shows. She was best known for her role as Helen Roper, the witty and frustrated landlady on the hit sitcom Three’s Company and its spin-off The Ropers. She also appeared in other popular shows like The Love Boat, Cybill, and Nothing Sacred. She was nominated twice for a Golden Globe Award for her performances.
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Audra Lindley’s Early Life and Career
Audra Lindley was born on September 24, 1918, in Los Angeles, California. She came from a show business family, as her father, Bert Lindley, was a film and stage actor. She quit school at the age of 15 and started working as a stand-in and stunt double in Hollywood. She eventually became a contract player with Warner Bros.
In 1943, she moved to New York to pursue a career in theater. She appeared in many Broadway plays, such as On Golden Pond, Long Day’s Journey into Night, and Horse Heavens. She married Dr. Aaron Hardy Ulm Jr. in 1943 and had five children with him. He died in 1970.
After taking a break from acting to raise her children, she returned to television in the early 1960s. She played Sue Knowles on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow and Aunt Liz Matthews on Another World. She also had regular roles on Bridget Loves Bernie and Fay.
Audra Lindley’s Breakthrough Role as Helen Roper
In 1977, Audra Lindley landed the role that would make her famous: Helen Roper on Three’s Company. She played the sarcastic and sexually frustrated wife of Stanley Roper (Norman Fell), the landlord of Jack Tripper (John Ritter) and his two female roommates. Helen often flirted with Jack and made fun of Stanley’s stinginess and impotence.
Audra Lindley’s performance as Helen Roper was praised by critics and audiences alike. She wore a wig to create her character’s distinctive hairstyle and delivered witty one-liners with flair. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1979 for her role.
In 1979, Audra Lindley and Norman Fell left Three’s Company to star in their own spin-off show, The Ropers. The show followed the Ropers as they moved to a new neighborhood and interacted with their snooty neighbors and their nephew. The show lasted for two seasons before being canceled due to low ratings.
Audra Lindley’s Later Roles and Death
After The Ropers ended, Audra Lindley continued to work in film and television. She appeared in movies like Revenge of the Stepford Wives, Cannery Row, Best Friends, Desert Hearts, and Troop Beverly Hills. She also guest-starred on shows like The Love Boat, Tales from the Crypt, The Hidden Room, and Murder, She Wrote.
In 1995, she joined the cast of Cybill as Maryann’s mother Virginia. She also had a recurring role on Nothing Sacred as Father Ray’s mother Helen. She was well-liked by her co-stars and fans for her professionalism and humor.
On October 16, 1997, Audra Lindley died of complications from leukemia at the age of 79. She had checked herself into a hospital after feeling mildly ill while filming an episode of Cybill. She had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier that year and had been undergoing treatments. She had a script for the next episode of Cybill by her bedside when she passed away.
Audra Lindley’s death shocked and saddened her fans and co-stars. They remembered her as a talented and generous actress who brought joy and laughter to millions of people. Her legacy lives on through her memorable roles and performances.
