Helen Hayes

Date of Birth: October 10, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: March 17, 1993

Biography

Helen Hayes, known as the “First Lady of American Theatre,” was an iconic actress whose career spanned nearly 80 years. Born in Washington, D.C., she made her stage debut at the tender age of five. Hayes excelled in both stage and screen, winning numerous awards including two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and a Grammy Award, making her one of the few artists to achieve the EGOT status. She was known for her versatility, appearing in classics like “The Sin of Madelon Claudet,” “Victoria Regina,” and Disney’s “Herbie Rides Again.” Beyond her prolific acting career, Hayes was a dedicated philanthropist and co-founded the American National Theatre and Academy. She also wrote several books, including her autobiography, “A Gift of Joy.”

5 Interesting Facts about Helen Hayes

1. Helen Hayes was the first woman to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award.

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

3. The Helen Hayes Awards, which recognize excellence in professional theater in the Washington, D.C. area, are named in her honor.

4. Hayes was an advocate for combating asthma and served on the board of the National Asthma Center.

5. She starred in over 80 movies and countless stage productions throughout her career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helen Hayes

1. “The truth is that there is no terror untempered by some great moral idea.”

2. “Legends are all to do with the past and nothing to do with the present.”

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

4. “Only the poet can look beyond the detail and see the whole picture.”

5. “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.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Helen Hayes’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Helen Hayes had two children. Her first child, a son named James MacArthur, was an actor best known for his role as Danny “Danno” Williams in the original “Hawaii Five-O” television series. Her second child, a daughter named Mary MacArthur, sadly passed away at a young age due to polio.