Helen Broderick was an American actor who is best known for her roles in Top Hat, Swing Time, and The Rage of Paris. She was a talented comedienne recognized for her unique style, often delivering witty remarks in a deadpan manner.
Personal and Family Life
Helen Broderick was born on August 11, 1891, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married Lester Crawford on April 10, 1910, and they had one child together. Known as the mother of Broderick Crawford, she had a multifaceted career that included vaudeville and Broadway before making her mark in Hollywood.
Career
Helen Broderick began her career as a chorus girl in the Ziegfeld Follies in 1907. She accidentally found her comedic talent as an understudy for a Broadway play, where she took over the lead and turned the romance into a farce. Over time, she became famous for her roles alongside Fred Astaire in musicals, gaining significant popularity in films during the 1930s and 1940s, often portraying the witty friend of the main character.
Death and Legacy
Helen Broderick passed away on September 25, 1959, due to natural causes in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 68. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances, especially her collaborations with major stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which showcased her comedic talent and charming presence.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Top Hat | 1935-08-29 | Madge Hardwick |
| Swing Time | 1936-08-28 | Mabel Anderson |
| The Rage of Paris | 1938-06-09 | Gloria Patterson |
| Nice Girl? | 1941-02-21 | Cora Foster |
| Murder on a Bridle Path | 1936-04-17 | Hildegarde Withers |
| Father Takes a Wife | 1941-10-03 | Aunt Julie |
| Honeymoon in Bali | 1939-09-29 | Lorna “Smitty” Smith |
| The Bride Walks Out | 1936-07-10 | Mattie Dodson |
| Stand Up and Fight | 1939-01-06 | Amanda Griffith |
| Love on a Bet | 1936-03-06 | Aunt Charlotte |
| She’s Got Everything | 1937-12-31 | Aunt Jane |
| The Life of the Party | 1937-09-03 | Pauline |
| Service de Luxe | 1938-10-12 | Pearl |
| We’re on the Jury | 1937-02-12 | Agnes Dean |
| Smartest Girl in Town | 1936-11-27 | Gwen |
| Radio City Revels | 1938-02-11 | Gertie |
| Virginia | 1941-01-28 | Theo Clairmont |
| Meet the Missus | 1937-06-04 | Emma Foster |
| Chip Off the Old Block | 1944-02-01 | Glory Marlow Sr. |
| To Beat the Band | 1935-11-23 | Mrs. Freeda McCrary |
| Naughty But Nice | 1939-06-23 | Aunt Martha Hogan |
| Her Primitive Man | 1944-05-29 | Mrs. Winthrop |
| Love, Honor and Goodbye | 1945-09-15 | Mary Riley |
| 3 Is a Family | 1944-11-23 | Irma |
| Stage Door Canteen | 1943-06-24 | Helen Broderick |
| Because of Him | 1946-01-18 | Nora |
| 50 Million Frenchmen | 1931-02-14 | Violet |
| The Captain Is a Lady | 1940-06-21 | Nancy Crocker |
| No, No, Nanette | 1940-12-19 | Mrs. Susan Smith |
| The Road to Reno | 1938-08-01 | Aunt Minerva |