Helen Hayes

Date of Birth: October 10, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: March 17, 1993

Biography

Helen Hayes, affectionately known as the “First Lady of American Theatre,” was an American actress whose career spanned almost 80 years. Born Helen Hayes Brown, she began her acting career at a very young age and gained prominence in both stage and screen performances. Hayes won numerous accolades throughout her life, including two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and a Grammy Award, making her one of only 16 people to have achieved the EGOT—winning all four major American entertainment awards. She was known for her versatility and depth in portraying a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to dramatic performances. Hayes made her Broadway debut in 1909 and continued to be a significant presence on the stage well into her later years. She transitioned successfully to films in the 1930s, winning her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “The Sin of Madelon Claudet” (1931). Her second Oscar was awarded for her supporting role in “Airport” (1970). Helen Hayes was also a prominent figure in the fight against tuberculosis and contributed significantly to the establishment of the Helen Hayes Hospital in New York, specializing in rehabilitative medicine.

5 Interesting Facts about Helen Hayes

1. Helen Hayes was one of the few entertainers to receive the prestigious EGOT status.

2. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1986.

3. Hayes co-wrote a memoir titled “A Gift of Joy” in 1965.

4. She has a theatre named after her on Broadway—the Helen Hayes Theatre.

5. Hayes was an advocate for the arts and helped found the American Theatre Wing, which administers the Tony Awards.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helen Hayes

1. “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese.”

2. “The expert at anything was once a beginner.”

3. “My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that ‘achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.’”

4. “We rely upon the poets, the philosophers, and the playwrights to articulate what most of us can only feel in joy and sorrow and thanksgiving.”

5. “Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch Life from the sidelines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day’s work an achievement for eternity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Helen Hayes’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Helen Hayes had two children: James MacArthur and Mary MacArthur. James MacArthur followed in his mother’s footsteps and became an actor, best known for his role in the TV series “Hawaii Five-O.” Mary MacArthur tragically died of polio at the age of 19.