Helen Kane was an American actress best known for her role in the early sound films and as the voice behind the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop. She made a significant impact in the entertainment industry during the 1920s and 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Helen Kane, born Helen Clare Schroeder on August 4, 1904, in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, had a vibrant personal life. She was married three times, with her last husband being Dan Healy, whom she married on March 21, 1939. They opened a restaurant called “Healy’s Grill” in New York, and Helen remained with Dan until her death in 1966.
Career Highlights
Kane’s career began on stage at the age of seventeen, paving her way to films in 1929. She gained fame for her role in the Betty Boop cartoons created by Max Fleischer and also had a catchy theme song, “I Wanna Be Loved by You.” Despite her early success, her popularity declined over time and she faced challenges, including a lawsuit for copyright infringement against her cartoon likeness.
Death and Legacy
Helen Kane passed away on September 26, 1966, in her hometown of Jackson Heights after a battle with breast cancer. Despite the challenges in her career, she left a lasting legacy, particularly as the voice that shaped the beloved character Betty Boop, who remains a cultural icon today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Nan McGrew | 1930-06-22 | Dangerous Nan McGrew |
| Pointed Heels | 1929-12-20 | Dot Nixon |
| Three Little Words | 1950-07-12 | Helen Kane (singing voice) (uncredited) |
| Heads Up | 1930-10-10 | Betty Trumbul |
| Sweetie | 1929-10-25 | Helen Fry |
| Paramount on Parade | 1930-04-22 | School Teacher |
| Nothing But the Truth | 1929-04-20 | Mabel Jackson |
| Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons | 1995-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Hollywood on Parade No. A-3 | 1932-10-20 | Self |
| A Lesson in Love | 1931-09-25 | Helen Lane |
| Fleischer Cartoons: The Art & Inventions of Max Fleischer | 2024-04-27 | Betty Boop (singing voice) |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| Tonight Starring Jack Paar | 1957-07-29 | Self |