Hayes, Helen (1900-1993), was an American actress. Many critics consider the role of Queen Victoria in the play Victoria Regina (1935) her greatest success. Hayes won the 1931-1932 Academy Award as best actress for her performance in The Sin of Madelon Claudet, which was her first film. She received the 1970 Academy Award as best supporting actress for her performance in Airport.
Hayes made her stage debut in 1905. Her performance in J. M. Barrie’s play Dear Brutus in 1918 made her a star. She retired from the stage in 1971, although she continued to act occasionally in movies and on television.
Helen Hayes Brown was born on Oct. 10, 1900, in Washington, D.C. In 1928, she married playwright Charles MacArthur. James MacArthur, their adopted son, became a popular television and motion-picture actor. Hayes wrote about her life in On Reflection (1968) and My Life in Three Acts (1990). She died on March 17, 1993.
