Helen Haye

Helen Haye was an American actress who is best known for The 39 Steps, The Case of the Frightened Lady, and Anna Karenina. She had a long and celebrated career on stage and in film, showcasing her talent in various character roles.

Personal and Family Life

Born on August 28, 1874, in Assam Province, British India, Helen Haye was a remarkable British character actress. She was married to Ernest Attenborough and had two children. Haye was known for her dignified presence on stage and screen and was active in the acting community for many years.

Career Highlights

Helen Haye began her acting career in 1898 and made her film debut in 1916. Throughout her career, she often portrayed benevolent or aristocratic characters and received acclaim for her strong performances in films, notably U-Boat 29 and The 39 Steps. She was also a respected teacher at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, mentoring future stars like John Gielgud and Charles Laughton.

Death and Legacy

Helen Haye passed away on September 1, 1957, in London, England. Her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work in theatre and film. Haye’s contributions to the performing arts continue to be remembered, and she is celebrated as a distinguished figure in British theatre history.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The 39 Steps 1935-06-06 Louisa Jordan
The Case of the Frightened Lady 1940-09-28 Lady Lebanon
Anna Karenina 1948-01-22 Countess Vronsky
A Place of One’s Own 1945-03-20 Florence Manning-Tutthorn
The Man in Grey 1943-08-06 Lady Rohan
Action of the Tiger 1957-08-22 Countess Valona
The Skin Game 1931-02-26 Mrs. Hillcrist
Conspirator 1949-07-28 Lady Witheringham
Cotton Queen 1937-06-01 Margaret Owen
Wings of the Morning 1937-02-19 Aunt Jenepher
Kipps 1941-06-28 Mrs. Walshingham
It’s a Boy 1933-06-06 Mrs. Bogle
The Gypsy and the Gentleman 1958-01-15 Lady Caroline Ayrton
The Dictator 1935-02-07 Queen Mother Juliana
Drake of England 1935-05-16 Lady Lennox
The Spy in Black 1939-08-03 Mrs. Sedley
Fanny by Gaslight 1944-05-08 Mrs. Somerford
Her First Affaire 1932-12-07 Lady Brogden
The Girl in the Taxi 1937-09-02 Delphine
A Girl Must Live 1939-09-24 Aunt Primrose
Mine Own Executioner 1947-11-22 Lady Maresfield
My Teenage Daughter 1956-06-20 Aunt Louisa Black
Hobson’s Choice 1954-04-19 Mrs. Hepworth
Riding High 1939-12-04 Miss Ada Broadbent
Beyond the Cities 1930-11-18 Amy Hayes
Dear Octopus 1943-09-20 Dora Randolph
Knowing Men 1930-02-01 Korah’s Aunt (Marquise de Jaurmais)
The Nipper 1930-06-01 Lady Sevenoaks
Brown Sugar 1931-04-21 Lady Knightsbridge
The Officers’ Mess 1931-05-08 Mrs. Harbottle
Atlantic 1929-11-15 Clara Tate-Hughes
St. Martin’s Lane 1938-10-18 Selina
Madonna of the Seven Moons 1945-01-22 Mother Superior
Masks and Faces 1917-03-01 Dame Best
This Week of Grace 1933-06-30 Lady Warmington
Third Time Lucky 1949-01-06 Old Lady
Lilacs in the Spring 1954-12-21 Lady Drayton
Monte Carlo Madness 1932-03-23
Bleak House 1920-01-15 Miss Barbay
Mrs. Fitzherbert 1947-12-03 Lady Sefton