Part of Our Ongoing Series About Folks Who Achieved Great Things After Their 50th Birthday

The stage and silver screen have been graced by many legendary performers over the years and centuries. There are few, however, who can match the enduring legacy of the incomparable Helen Hayes. Her remarkable career spanned over seven decades and earned her the title “First Lady of American Theater.” While her early successes garnered her immense acclaim, it was her accomplishments after the age of 50 that truly solidified her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her time. Let’s take a moment to delve into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable and delightful lady.

Beginnings

Helen Hayes Brown MacArthur was born on October 10, 1900, in Washington, D.C. Her father was a salesman and manager while her mother was an aspiring — if frequently frustrated — actress.  Helen attended the prestigious Academy of the Sacred Heart Convent School in Washington and graduated in 1917.

Ms. Hayes’ early career was marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Tony Award and an Academy Award.

As she entered the latter half of her life, Hayes refused to be confined by the limitations that often accompany advancing years. Instead, she embraced the opportunities that presented themselves with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.

No Slowing Down

One of the most notable achievements in Hayes’ later career was her return to the Broadway stage in the 1950s. Despite having already established herself as a Hollywood legend, Hayes was determined to maintain her connection to the live theater that she had loved so much from the very beginning. In 1956, she took on the challenging role of Queen Victoria in the play “Victoria Regina,” a performance that earned her widespread praise and a Tony Award for Best Actress.

Branching Out

It’s notable that Ms. Hayes’ contributions to the arts extended far beyond the stage and screen. In the 1960s, she became a trailblazer in the world of television, starring in the acclaimed series “The Snoop Sisters,” which ran for four seasons. Her portrayal of Ernesta Snoop, a retired schoolteacher-turned-amateur sleuth, showcased her versatility and her ability to captivate audiences across multiple mediums.

As Hayes entered her later years, she continued to defy expectations and push the boundaries of what was possible for a performer of her stature. In 1970, she published her memoir, “On Reflection,” which provided a candid and insightful look into her life and career. The book was met with critical acclaim and widespread enthusias, and cemented Hayes’ reputation as a storyteller of the highest order.

A Life of Giving Back

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Hayes’ legacy was her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. Throughout her life, she was a passionate advocate for numerous charitable causes, including the Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, New York, which she had helped establish in the 1920s. Even in her later years, Hayes remained an active supporter of the hospital, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for its important work.

An Inspiration to the End

In the final years of her life, Hayes continued to inspire and captivate audiences, appearing in a series of made-for-television films and stage productions. Her final performance came in 1986, when she starred in the play “Mrs. McThing” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

It was a fitting end to a career that had spanned generations and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Helen Hayes died on March 17, 1993 in New York, of congestive heart failure.

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So there you have it. Helen Hayes’ life and legacy serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity and a deep-rooted passion for one’s craft. Even as she entered the latter stages of her life, she remained a beacon of inspiration, constantly striving to push the boundaries of what was possible and leaving an indelible mark on the world around her. Her lifelong accomplishments are a monument to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of art to transform and inspire us all.

By Steven Roberts