Helen Gallagher
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Latest News on Helen Gallagher:
Feature: December's Birthday Tributee Is A Class Act (Dec 7, 2024)
Tony and Emmy-Winning Actor Helen Gallagher Dies At Age 98 (Nov 26, 2024)
Yangtze Rep Awards Project YZ $10K Residencies To Nana Dakin And Chika Shimizu (Jun 18, 2024)
Feature: December's Birthday Tributee Is A Class Act (Dec 7, 2024)
Tony and Emmy-Winning Actor Helen Gallagher Dies At Age 98 (Nov 26, 2024)
Yangtze Rep Awards Project YZ $10K Residencies To Nana Dakin And Chika Shimizu (Jun 18, 2024)
BIO
Helen Gallagher received her first Tony Award in 1952 for her memorable performance as Gladys Bumps in the original Broadway company of the musical Pal Joey. She went on to win a second Tony in 1971 for her grandiose turn in the musical No, No, Nanette.
Offstage, Helen was the winner of three Emmys for her role as Maeve Ryan in the long-running soap opera Ryan's Hope. As an active professional, she studied weekly with HB Studio Master Teacher Uta Hagen and was an instructor of Singing for the Musical Theater at HB Studio.
Helen's other Broadway credits included runs in Sugar Babies, Mame, Sweet Charity, Pajama Game, Hazel Flagg, and High Button Shoes. She made notable appearances in the City Center productions of Oklahoma!, Guys And Dolls, Finian’s Rainbow, and Brigadoon.
She was seen Off-Broadway in Tallulah, I Can’t Keep Running In Place, The Misanthrope, Electra, Red Rover Red Rover, The Gingerbread Lady, and Hothouse.
Her film roles included appearances in Strangers When We Meet and Roseland.
Gallagher passed away on November 24, 2024 at the age of 98 at a hospital in Manhattan.
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Vera Charles [Replacement]
Agnes Gooch [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Charity Hope Valentine [Replacement]
Nickie
Charity [Replacement]
Charity (Understudy)
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1954
Gladys [Replacement]
Gladys [Replacement]
Gladys [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1949
The Girl
Theatregoer
Daughter
Neighbor
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Corps de Ballet
Performer (Understudy)
Productions
Movies
Strangers When We Meet
[ 1960 ] Betty Anders
[ 1960 ] Betty Anders
Roseland
[ 1977 ] Cleo The Hustle
[ 1977 ] Cleo The Hustle
Neptune's Rocking Horse
[ 1997 ] Sadie
[ 1997 ] Sadie
TV Shows
Shangri-La
Lise
Lise
Another World
Hannah Tuttle
Hannah Tuttle
Ryan's Hope
[ 1975-1989 ] Maeve Ryan, Maeve Colleary Ryan
[ 1975-1989 ] Maeve Ryan, Maeve Colleary Ryan
Law & Order
Flo Bishop
Flo Bishop
All My Children
Nurse Harris
Nurse Harris
One Life to Live
[ 1997-1998 ] Dr. Maud Boylan
[ 1997-1998 ] Dr. Maud Boylan
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance
Helen Gallagher, No, No, Nanette
winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, No, No Nanette
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Sweet Charity
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Sweet Charity
winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Pal Joey
Videos
News
Feature: December's Birthday Tributee Is A Class Act
Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature.
Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature.
Tony and Emmy-Winning Actor Helen Gallagher Dies At Age 98
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the death of Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, Helen Gallagher. The acclaimed actor and educator was 98 at the time of her passing.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the death of Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, Helen Gallagher. The acclaimed actor and educator was 98 at the time of her passing.
Yangtze Rep Awards Project YZ $10K Residencies To Nana Dakin And Chika Shimizu
Yangtze Repertory Theatre awards $10K residencies to Nana Dakin and Chika Shimizu. Learn more!
Yangtze Repertory Theatre awards $10K residencies to Nana Dakin and Chika Shimizu. Learn more!
Review: FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS IN CONCERT at 54 Below Is All The Things
Robert W. Schneider and Michael Lavine do themselves, 54 Below, and Broadway proud with their remarkable historical concert.
Robert W. Schneider and Michael Lavine do themselves, 54 Below, and Broadway proud with their remarkable historical concert.
Musical Theater Melodies Celebrates 120th Birthday of Legendary Composer Richard Rodgers with Broadcast and Streaming Premiere
Tuesday June 28th, 2022, marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will commemorate the occasion with the broadcast and streaming premiere of the Museum of the City of New York's A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD RODGERS, recorded live at The Imperial Theatre, New York City, on March 26th, 1972.
Tuesday June 28th, 2022, marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will commemorate the occasion with the broadcast and streaming premiere of the Museum of the City of New York's A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD RODGERS, recorded live at The Imperial Theatre, New York City, on March 26th, 1972.
Susanne Mack Returns To Pangea May 20 For Final Performance of FRAGMENTS
Much-lauded cabaret singer Susanne Mack will play her 2021 show FRAGMENTS for one final encore.
Much-lauded cabaret singer Susanne Mack will play her 2021 show FRAGMENTS for one final encore.
BWW Interview: Barbara Bleier of LIFE, LOVE, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE? on MetropolitanZoom
With years of cabaret experiences behind them, Barbara Bleier, Austin Pendleton, Barbara Maier Gustern and Paul Greenwood are taking to the 'net for their latest cabaret show, and Bleier has a lot to say about it.
With years of cabaret experiences behind them, Barbara Bleier, Austin Pendleton, Barbara Maier Gustern and Paul Greenwood are taking to the 'net for their latest cabaret show, and Bleier has a lot to say about it.
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 5 - Josh Groban, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More!
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
Skyline Theatre Company's 2020 Horizon Award goes to Fair Lawn Borough's Ms. Robin Schamach
Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.
Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.
Broadway and Film Actress Paula Kelly Dies at 76
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. She was 76. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical Something More!, alongside Barbara Cook. Her other Broadway credits include The Dozens (1969), Paul Sills' Story Theatre (1971), Ovid's Metamorphoses (1971), and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. She was 76. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical Something More!, alongside Barbara Cook. Her other Broadway credits include The Dozens (1969), Paul Sills' Story Theatre (1971), Ovid's Metamorphoses (1971), and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
Photo Flash: HB Studio 2019 Gala Celebrates UTA AT 100
On Monday, June 10 nearly 250 people gathered at the Tribeca Rooftop for the HB Studio Gala celebrating the centennial of its long-time master teacher, the two-time Tony Award winning actress Uta Hagen, whose 100th birthday is Wednesday, June 12.
On Monday, June 10 nearly 250 people gathered at the Tribeca Rooftop for the HB Studio Gala celebrating the centennial of its long-time master teacher, the two-time Tony Award winning actress Uta Hagen, whose 100th birthday is Wednesday, June 12.
Throwing Out My CDs by Ben Rimalower: SWEET CHARITY
Like the rest of you, I've spent this week obsessing over 'Fosse Verdon' on FX and especially Gwen Verdon, played brilliantly on the series by Michelle Williams, in a performance that makes you want to reinvestigate what made Gwen so great. Sweet Charity is the perfect place to start. Gwen became a star and won her first Tony in a featured role in Can Can and she gained worldwide acclaim (and number 2 in a total of four Tonys) as Lola in Damn Yankees on stage and screen and of course there were many other shows and movies and TV appearances, but Sweet Charity was the show Bob Fosse (and Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon) created just for her. She may have lost the Tony to Angela Lansbury in Mame, but Gwen got that iconic poster and all those songs.
Like the rest of you, I've spent this week obsessing over 'Fosse Verdon' on FX and especially Gwen Verdon, played brilliantly on the series by Michelle Williams, in a performance that makes you want to reinvestigate what made Gwen so great. Sweet Charity is the perfect place to start. Gwen became a star and won her first Tony in a featured role in Can Can and she gained worldwide acclaim (and number 2 in a total of four Tonys) as Lola in Damn Yankees on stage and screen and of course there were many other shows and movies and TV appearances, but Sweet Charity was the show Bob Fosse (and Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon) created just for her. She may have lost the Tony to Angela Lansbury in Mame, but Gwen got that iconic poster and all those songs.
BWW Exclusive: Inside the National Asian Artists Project Gala with Baayork Lee and More!
The 2018 Inaugural NAAP (National Asian Artists Project) Gala took place on December 2nd celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical 'Flower Drum Song'. Cast members from numerous productions including the original 1958 Broadway company, tours, the 1961 film and the 2002 Broadway revival took over the Golden Unicorn Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a magical evening that included a spectacular eight course Chinese banquet and a sensational show.
The 2018 Inaugural NAAP (National Asian Artists Project) Gala took place on December 2nd celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical 'Flower Drum Song'. Cast members from numerous productions including the original 1958 Broadway company, tours, the 1961 film and the 2002 Broadway revival took over the Golden Unicorn Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a magical evening that included a spectacular eight course Chinese banquet and a sensational show.
Richard Skipper Celebrates and Commemorates The Life And Work Of Richard Barclay
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Exclusive Podcast: Go 'Behind the Curtain' with Two-Time Tony Winner Helen Gallagher
You can dance with any girl at all but why would you when the lovely Helen Gallagher is right here and ready to look back on her amazing journey which includes the original productions of Billion Dollar Baby, Brigadoon, High Button Shoes, the 1952 Pal Joey (for which she won a Tony Award), Make a Wish, Hazel Flagg, The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, and the 1971 No, No, Nanette for which she won her second Tony Award.
You can dance with any girl at all but why would you when the lovely Helen Gallagher is right here and ready to look back on her amazing journey which includes the original productions of Billion Dollar Baby, Brigadoon, High Button Shoes, the 1952 Pal Joey (for which she won a Tony Award), Make a Wish, Hazel Flagg, The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, and the 1971 No, No, Nanette for which she won her second Tony Award.
Richard Skipper Celebrates and Commemorates The Life And Work Of Richard Barclay
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Before There Was BYE BYE BIRDIE, There Was A POUND IN YOUR POCKET
As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will present the rarely heard musical A Pound in Your Pocket as part of its popular Second Act Series on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00pm. The very first collaboration from acclaimed songwriters Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, best known for Bye Bye Birdie, A Pound In Your Pocket is a delightful, Dickensian story about friendship and redemption. Strouse will be on hand at the one-night-only concert to greet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face.
As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will present the rarely heard musical A Pound in Your Pocket as part of its popular Second Act Series on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00pm. The very first collaboration from acclaimed songwriters Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, best known for Bye Bye Birdie, A Pound In Your Pocket is a delightful, Dickensian story about friendship and redemption. Strouse will be on hand at the one-night-only concert to greet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face.
He's a Little Sinatra. She's A Little Bit Sondheim: An Intimate Journey Through a Musical Theater Romance
Broadway veterans and Harbor Lights Founders and Artistic Directors Jay Montgomery and Tamara Jenkins are joining creative forces and sharing their personal story in the last production of the 2017 Season, which is focusing on what it means to be a theater artist. 'We are excited to be back in the performing saddle and having a blast working together. The show will be lots of fun with some sweet moments. And everyone will certainly relate to the universal themes in relationship dramas,' says Jenkins. 'We are also thrilled to be joined by Musical Director Andrew Smithson who was with us for our 2011 Harbor Lights' productions of Marry Me a Little, and Amahl and the Night Visitors, and is himself a consummate artist and musician. We needed someone versed in multiple styles as the show covers many musical genres.'
Broadway veterans and Harbor Lights Founders and Artistic Directors Jay Montgomery and Tamara Jenkins are joining creative forces and sharing their personal story in the last production of the 2017 Season, which is focusing on what it means to be a theater artist. 'We are excited to be back in the performing saddle and having a blast working together. The show will be lots of fun with some sweet moments. And everyone will certainly relate to the universal themes in relationship dramas,' says Jenkins. 'We are also thrilled to be joined by Musical Director Andrew Smithson who was with us for our 2011 Harbor Lights' productions of Marry Me a Little, and Amahl and the Night Visitors, and is himself a consummate artist and musician. We needed someone versed in multiple styles as the show covers many musical genres.'
Ernestine Jackson and Allison Brewster Franzetti Round Out 70, GIRLS, 70 Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
Complete casting has been announced for the starry 70, Girls, 70 concert at Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club.
Complete casting has been announced for the starry 70, Girls, 70 concert at Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club.
Two-Time Tony Award-Winner Helen Gallagher to Narrate 70, GIRLS, 70 Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
Two-time Tony Award winner Helen Gallagher has joined the cast of the previously announced 70, Girls, 70 concert at FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club. Ms. Gallagher, who will serve as the evening's narrator, joins a starry cast of Broadway veterans in the 1971 Kander and Ebb-tuner, set for April 17th, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit The Lillian Booth Actor's Home.
Two-time Tony Award winner Helen Gallagher has joined the cast of the previously announced 70, Girls, 70 concert at FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club. Ms. Gallagher, who will serve as the evening's narrator, joins a starry cast of Broadway veterans in the 1971 Kander and Ebb-tuner, set for April 17th, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit The Lillian Booth Actor's Home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Helen Gallagher been in?
Helen Gallagher has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.
How many West End shows has Helen Gallagher been in?
Helen Gallagher has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Helen Gallagher been nominated for?
Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for No, No, Nanette, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for No, No Nanette, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Charity, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Charity and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Pal Joey.
What awards has Helen Gallagher won?
Helen Gallagher has won the following awards: Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for No, No, Nanette; Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for No, No, Nanette; and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Pal Joey.
Videos