Helen Craig (May 13, 1912 – July 20, 1986) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her role on Broadway as the main character, Belinda, in Johnny Belinda.
Helen Craig | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Helen Craig in 1936 | |
| Born | May 13, 1912 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | July 20, 1986 (aged 74) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1948–1977 |
| Known for | Playing the title role in the Broadway production of Johnny Belinda |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Early years
editThe daughter of copper executive Edward A. Craig,[1] Helen Craig was born on May 13, 1912, in San Antonio, Texas. She had a sister, Marian, and two brothers, Robert and Edward Jr.[2]
Television
editAs well as films, Craig appeared in numerous plays, and on television she had frequent appearances in The Waltons, Kojak and The Bionic Woman.[3]
Stage
editCraig was "a graduate of the Orson Welles' celebrated Mercury Theatre".[4] Her Broadway credits include Russet Mantle (1936), Soliloquy (1938), The Unconquered (1940), Johnny Belinda (1940), As You Like It (1941), Lute Song (1946), Land's End (1946), The House of Bernarda Alba (1951), Diamond Orchid (1965), and More Stately Mansions (1967).[5]
Her work in Johnny Belinda required her to learn sign language, which she used throughout the play as she portrayed the deaf title character. She also had to learn to not react to lines spoken by other actors in the play. Preparation for the role included four weeks' study with a teacher who read the script and taught Craig the appropriate signs.[6]
Personal life
editCraig was married to actor John Beal from 1934 until her death.[7][8] They had two daughters, Theodora Emily and Tandy Johanna.[9]
Death
editCraig died of cardiac arrest on July 20, 1986, in New York City, aged 74.[2]
Partial filmography
edit- The Snake Pit (1948)
- They Live by Night (1948)
- The Sporting Club (1971)
- Rancho Deluxe (1975)
- The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
- Heroes (1977)
References
edit- ^ "One-Word Role Stars Actress". The Mason City Globe-Gazette. Iowa, Mason City. United Press. April 3, 1941. p. 4. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Helen Craig". Santa Cruz Sentinel. California, Santa Cruz. August 4, 1986. p. 10. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Stage and Film Actress Helen Craig Dies". LA Times. July 24, 1986. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
- ^ "Helen Craig Acclaimed New Broadway Star". Dayton Review. May 1, 1941. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
- ^ "Helen Craig". Playbill. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
- ^ Francis, Robert (October 6, 1940). "Candid Close-ups". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. p. 49. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Francis, Robert (February 17, 1946). "Candid Close-ups". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. p. 25. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Helen Craig". IMdB. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
- ^ Varcados, Marybeth (May 7, 1987). "On stage with 'daddy'". Santa Cruz Sentinel. California, Santa Cruz. p. 21. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
edit- Helen Craig at IMDb
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