Helen Hughes (January 8, 1918 - April 3, 2018) was an American-Canadian actress who has worked in theatre, television, and film.^[1]

Biography

Helen Hughes was born in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she worked as an art teacher, editor and actress.^{[citation needed]} Although she acted while she was in college, her undergraduate degree (from Indiana State University) and her graduate study (at Penn State) both focused on teaching art.^[2]

In 1938, Hughes was interviewed on Kate Smith's radio program as one of "the outstanding radio actresses from representative American cities".^[3]

She became a permanent resident of Canada in 1972. Her move resulted from acting opportunities, when she performed in 10 weeks of summer theatre in Canada. "I discovered that I loved Canada", she said.^[4] A contributing factor in her move was that her marriage had broken up. With her children grown, she felt free to make a change.^[5]

She was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award in 1986. She made her last appearance at age 96, as a guest actress in the TV series Sensitive Skin.^[6]

In 1980, Hughes starred in The 75th at the Lunchbox Theatre. in Alberta, Canada.^[7]

At the 10th Genie Awards in 1989, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film Martha, Ruth and Edie.^[8]

Hughes also made TV commercials for American Express, Anacin,^[2] and one for Heinz ketchup that ran for about three years.^[5]

Selected filmography