Helen Hayes
Actor
About Helen Hayes
Helen Hayes, born Helen Hayes Brown on October 10, 1900, in Washington, D.C., was a legendary American actress whose remarkable career spanned eight decades across stage, film, and television. Beginning as a child prodigy, she made her professional stage debut at age five and her Broadway debut at eight, quickly establishing herself as a theatrical sensation. She earned the title 'First Lady of American Theatre' through her extraordinary performances in both classical and contemporary works, becoming one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). Her film career, while secondary to her stage work, included notable performances in 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet' (1931), 'A Farewell to Arms' (1932), and 'Airport' (1970), for which she won her second Academy Award. Hayes continued performing well into her eighties, appearing in television series like 'Murder, She Wrote' and maintaining her status as one of America's most beloved performers. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to changing media landscapes made her a true pioneer in American entertainment. She passed away on March 17, 1993, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in performing arts.
The Craft
On Screen
Helen Hayes was renowned for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, which was revolutionary for her time. She brought a subtle psychological depth to her characters, moving away from the theatrical exaggeration common in early 20th-century performance. Her technique emphasized emotional truth and restraint, allowing her to convey complex feelings through minimal gestures and nuanced vocal delivery. Hayes was particularly celebrated for her ability to transform completely for each role, whether playing historical figures like Queen Victoria or contemporary characters. Her approach combined classical training with modern sensibilities, making her equally compelling in both dramatic and comedic roles. She believed in thorough character research and often spent months preparing for major stage productions.
Milestones
- Broadway debut at age 8 (1908)
- Academy Award for Best Actress for 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet' (1931)
- Tony Award for Best Actress for 'Victoria Regina' (1936)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'Airport' (1970)
- One of the first EGOT winners
- Kennedy Center Honors recipient (1981)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1986)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Actress - The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress - Airport (1970)
- Tony Award for Best Actress - Victoria Regina (1936)
- Tony Award for Best Actress - Happy Birthday (1946)
- Tony Award for Best Actress - Time and the Conways (1969)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Performance - The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961)
- Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording - Great American Documents (1977)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress - What Every Woman Knows (1934)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress - The White Sister (1934)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress - My Son John (1952)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Airport (1970)
- Multiple Tony Award nominations throughout her career
Special Recognition
- Kennedy Center Honors (1981)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1986)
- National Medal of Arts (1988)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star
- American Theatre Hall of Fame inductee
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (1980)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Helen Hayes fundamentally transformed American theatre by introducing a more naturalistic acting style that influenced generations of performers. Her success helped establish the legitimacy of American actors on the world stage, proving that American performers could compete with their European counterparts in classical roles. As one of the first major stars to successfully transition between stage, film, and television, she set a precedent for multi-platform entertainment careers. Her advocacy for polio research following her daughter's death helped raise awareness and funding for the disease. Hayes also broke barriers for women in entertainment, becoming one of the first female producers on Broadway and using her influence to champion other female performers. Her role in establishing the American Theatre Wing and support for arts education programs helped institutionalize theatre education in the United States.
Lasting Legacy
Helen Hayes's legacy endures through the Helen Hayes Awards, which recognize excellence in Washington, D.C. theatre, and the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway, renamed in her honor. As one of the most decorated performers in American history, she set a standard for artistic excellence and versatility that continues to inspire actors today. Her pioneering work in television helped legitimize the medium as a venue for serious dramatic performance. The Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, New York, stands as a testament to her humanitarian work and commitment to healthcare. Her extensive archives at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts preserve her contributions to theatrical history. Many contemporary actors cite her as a major influence, particularly her ability to maintain relevance across different eras and media formats.
Who They Inspired
Helen Hayes revolutionized acting technique by demonstrating that emotional authenticity could be more powerful than theatrical exaggeration. Her success in both classical and contemporary roles showed future generations that versatility was key to longevity in the performing arts. Younger actors studied her meticulous preparation methods and her ability to completely inhabit characters regardless of the medium. Her willingness to take on challenging roles in her later years, including her Academy Award-winning turn in 'Airport' at age 70, challenged ageism in Hollywood and inspired older performers to continue working. Her approach to celebrity—maintaining dignity while engaging with her audience—became a model for stars who wished to balance artistic integrity with public recognition. Her influence extends beyond performance to include her advocacy for arts education and healthcare, showing entertainers how to leverage their fame for social good.
Off Screen
Helen Hayes married playwright Charles MacArthur in 1928, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1956. They had two children: James, who became an actor known for his role in 'Hawaii Five-O', and Mary, who died tragically in 1949 at age 19 from polio. Hayes was deeply affected by her daughter's death and became an advocate for polio research and vaccination programs. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life and maintained strong ties to her Washington, D.C. roots. After her husband's death, she never remarried but continued to maintain an active social and professional life. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and mentorship of younger performers in the entertainment industry.
Education
Attended the Academy of the Holy Cross and other Catholic schools in Washington, D.C.; studied drama under various coaches and mentors in New York
Family
- Charles MacArthur (1928-1956)
Did You Know?
- She was one of the first EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony)
- She made her stage debut at age 5 in a production of 'The Old Homestead'
- She earned the nickname 'First Lady of American Theatre' from journalist Alexander Woollcott
- She appeared in her first film at age 31 in 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet'
- She won her first Oscar for her film debut, a rare achievement
- She was a close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt and frequently performed at the White House
- She published her autobiography 'A Gift of Joy' in 1965
- She was a chain smoker for much of her adult life
- She turned down the role of Norma Desmond in 'Sunset Boulevard'
- She was a founding member of the American Theatre Wing
In Their Own Words
Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.
The expert at anything was once a beginner.
I've had a wonderful life. I've been very lucky. I've had a good husband, wonderful children, and a career that I love.
From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.
We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Helen Hayes?
Helen Hayes was a legendary American actress known as the 'First Lady of American Theatre' who achieved EGOT status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Her career spanned eight decades across stage, film, and television, making her one of the most decorated performers in American entertainment history.
What films is Helen Hayes best known for?
Helen Hayes is best known for her Academy Award-winning performances in 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet' (1931) and 'Airport' (1970), as well as her role in 'A Farewell to Arms' (1932). Other notable films include 'What Every Woman Knows' (1934), 'Anastasia' (1956), and 'My Son John' (1952).
When was Helen Hayes born and when did she die?
Helen Hayes was born on October 10, 1900, in Washington, D.C., and died on March 17, 1993, in Nyack, New York, at the age of 92. Her career began as a child performer in 1905 and continued until the mid-1980s.
What awards did Helen Hayes win?
Helen Hayes won two Academy Awards, multiple Tony Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Grammy Award, making her one of the first EGOT winners. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, and was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors.
What was Helen Hayes's acting style?
Helen Hayes was known for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, which was revolutionary for her time. She emphasized psychological depth and restraint, moving away from theatrical exaggeration to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and nuanced delivery.
How did Helen Hayes impact American theatre?
Helen Hayes transformed American theatre by introducing naturalistic acting techniques and proving American actors could excel in classical roles. She helped establish the legitimacy of American theatre internationally and advocated for arts education through the American Theatre Wing.
Was Helen Hayes married and did she have children?
Helen Hayes married playwright Charles MacArthur in 1928, and they remained married until his death in 1956. They had two children: James, who became an actor, and Mary, who tragically died of polio at age 19 in 1949.
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Films
1 film
