Helen Freeman was an American actress, best known for her roles in film and theater throughout the 20th century. She gained recognition for her performances in notable works such as “Abraham Lincoln,” “So Dark the Night,” and “Bulldog Drummond Comes Back.”
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 3, 1886, in St. Louis, Missouri, Helen Freeman grew up in Denver, Colorado. Her father, Benjamin Freeman, was a banker who tragically died in an auto accident in 1937. In 1932, she married writer Edwin Corle, but the couple divorced in 1943. They did not have any children.
Career
Helen began her acting career with silent films in 1915 and later appeared on stage in New York. She returned to the film industry in 1930, playing significant roles, including Nancy Hanks Lincoln in “Abraham Lincoln.” Helen typically portrayed maternal characters and retired from acting in 1947 after a long career.
Death and Legacy
Helen Freeman passed away on December 25, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. Though she is largely remembered for her stage work and select film appearances, her contributions to American theater and cinema continue to be appreciated. Her performances have left a lasting impact on those who enjoy classic films and stage productions.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| So Dark the Night | 1946-10-10 | Widow Bridelle |
| Bulldog Drummond Comes Back | 1937-09-24 | Irena Soldanis |
| The Unknown | 1946-07-04 | Phoebe Martin |
| Mademoiselle Fifi | 1944-07-28 | The Countess de Breville |
| The Song of Songs | 1933-07-19 | Fräulein Von Schwertfeger |
| Symphony of Six Million | 1932-04-29 | Miss Spencer |
| Abraham Lincoln | 1930-11-08 | Nancy Hanks Lincoln |
| The Right To Romance | 1933-11-17 | Mrs. Preble |
| Hold Your Man | 1933-06-30 | Miss Davis |
| Nana | 1934-02-01 | Sabine Muffat |
| Finishing School | 1934-05-04 | Dr. Hewitt |
| Madame X | 1937-10-01 | Nurse |
| The Ghost and Mrs. Muir | 1947-05-25 | Author Displaced by Lucy (uncredited) |
| Ah, Wilderness! | 1935-12-25 | Miss Hawley |
| Doubting Thomas | 1935-07-10 | Mrs. Sheppard |
| Doctor Bull | 1933-09-22 | Helen Upjohn |
| The Morals of Marcus | 1915-01-18 | Dora |
| Safety in Numbers | 1938-05-30 | Mrs. Stewart |
| Fog | 1933-11-11 | Madame Alva |
| Spring Tonic | 1935-06-27 | Mrs. Ingalls |
| Are You a Mason? | 1915-03-15 | Helen Perry |
| Mrs. Parkington | 1944-10-12 | Helen Parkington Stilham |
| The Pilgrim Lady | 1947-01-22 | Aunt Phoebe |
| Fashions of 1934 | 1934-02-14 | Mme. Margot – Paris Model Supervisor (uncredited) |
| Saratoga Trunk | 1945-11-21 | Mrs. Nicholas Dulaine (uncredited) |
| Our Hearts Were Young and Gay | 1944-11-02 | Mrs. Smithers (uncredited) |