Helen Craig (actress)

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
Helen Craig in 1936
Born(1912-05-13)May 13, 1912
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
DiedJuly 20, 1986(1986-07-20) (aged 74)
New York City, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActress
Years active1948–1977
Known forPlaying the title role in the Broadway production of Johnny Belinda
Spouse(s)John Beal (1934–1986; her death)
ChildrenTheodora Emily "Tita", Tandy Johanna
Parent(s)Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Craig

Early years

The 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 a brother, Edward Jr.[2]

Television

As 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

Craig 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

Craig was married to the actor John Beal.[7][8] They had two daughters, Theodora Emily and Tandy Johanna.[9]

Death

Craig died of cardiac arrest on July 20, 1986 in New York City, aged 74. She was survived by her husband, two daughters, a brother, a sister, and a grandson.[2]

Partial filmography

References
  1. "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.
  2. "Helen Craig". Santa Cruz Sentinel. California, Santa Cruz. August 4, 1986. p. 10. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Stage and Film Actress Helen Craig Dies". LA Times. July 24, 1986. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  4. "Helen Craig Acclaimed New Broadway Star". Dayton Review. May 1, 1941. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  5. "Helen Craig". Playbill. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  6. Francis, Robert (October 6, 1940). "Candid Close-ups". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. p. 49. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. Francis, Robert (February 17, 1946). "Candid Close-ups". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. p. 25. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Helen Craig". IMdB. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  9. Varcados, Marybeth (May 7, 1987). "On stage with 'daddy'". Santa Cruz Sentinel. California, Santa Cruz. p. 21. Retrieved May 8, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.


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