Helen Hanft was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Used People, License to Drive, and Moonstruck.
Personal and Family Life
Helen Hanft was born on April 3, 1934, in The Bronx, New York City. She was the eldest child of Esther and Benjamin Hanft, a well-known public-relations executive for national Jewish organizations. Hanft had two siblings, Sarah Louise and Alice Dorothy. She met actor Dom DeLuise in high school, and they remained friends throughout their lives.
Career Highlights
Hanft began her acting career in the late 1950s after studying drama at The Performing Arts High School. She became a prominent figure in Off-Off-Broadway theater, notably for her performance in Tom Eyen’s play Why Hanna’s Skirt Won’t Stay Down, which earned her a cult following. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she starred in various plays and transitioned into a successful film career, frequently appearing in Off-Broadway productions.
Death and Legacy
Helen Hanft passed away on May 30, 2013, in Manhattan due to complications from an intestinal blockage. She left a lasting impact on both stage and screen, known for her versatile performances in a wide range of characters. Hanft is remembered as a talented actress who delighted audiences for decades.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Associate | 1996-10-25 | Mrs. Cupchick |
| Next Stop, Greenwich Village | 1976-02-04 | Herb’s Wife |
| Dummy | 2002-09-12 | Mrs. Gurkel |
| I Am Divine | 2013-03-09 | Self |
| Stardust Memories | 1980-09-26 | Vivian Orkin |
| Used People | 1992-12-16 | Aunt Ruthie |
| The New Tenants | 2009-12-30 | Grandma |
| Nine 1/2 Weeks | 1986-02-09 | Flea Market Shawl Seller |
| Arthur | 1981-07-17 | Perry’s Wife |
| Beautiful Darling | 2010-04-02 | Self |
| Honky Tonk Freeway | 1981-08-21 | Bag Lady |
| The Lawnmower Man | 1987-10-10 | Wife |
| Manhattan | 1979-04-25 | Party Guest |
| Willie and Phil | 1980-08-15 | Used Cars Salesperson |
| Coming to America | 1988-06-29 | Subway Lady (uncredited) |
| Fever | 1999-05-16 | Louisa |
| Trick | 1999-07-23 | Greasy Spoon Waitress |
| Boys On Film 7: Bad Romance | 2011-09-26 | Grandma (segment “The New Tenants”) |
| Clinton and Nadine | 1988-05-04 | Lady Manager |
| The Neon Woman | 1990-01-01 | Connie (archive footage) |
| The Purple Rose of Cairo | 1985-03-01 | Movie Audience |
| License to Drive | 1988-07-06 | Miss Hellberg |
| Off Beat | 1986-04-10 | Waitress |
| From Other Worlds | 2004-10-29 | Shirley |
| When the Evening Comes | 2009-11-05 | Rose Bushman |
| Moonstruck | 1987-12-16 | Lotte |
| Mr. Jealousy | 1998-06-05 | Millie |
| North | 1994-07-22 | Operator |
| New York Stories | 1989-03-10 | Citizen |
| Summer Switch | 1984-09-19 | Waitress |
| Sounds from a Town I Love | 2001-10-20 | |
| The Job | 2001-03-14 | |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 1999-09-20 | Mrs. Billings |
| The Equalizer | 1985-09-18 | Mrs. Washburn |
| Law & Order: Criminal Intent | 2001-09-30 | Ruth Cohen |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Martha |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Vera |
| On Our Own | 1977-10-09 |