Person Biography:
Helen Parrish, a talented and lovely actress, was born on March 12, 1923, in Columbus, Georgia, to stage actress Laura R. Parrish. She began her acting career at a tender age of four, playing Babe Ruth's daughter in the silent movie "Babe Comes Home" (1927). Helen's early roles included appearances in "Our Gang" comedy shorts and playing lead characters as a child or youngster. She shared the screen with notable actresses such as Loretta Young and Mary Brian in films like "Beau Ideal" (1931) and "Song of the Eagle" (1933).
As Helen entered her teens, she became established as a cinematic kid sister, neighborhood friend, or rich young girl in films like "There's Always Tomorrow" (1934),"Straight from the Heart" (1935),and "A Dog of Flanders" (1935). She gained recognition for her role as the rival to Deanna Durbin in several of the singing star's musical vehicles, including "Mad About Music" (1938),"Three Smart Girls Grow Up" (1939),and "First Love" (1939).
Helen's filmography includes a range of movies, from "X Marks the Spot" (1931) and "When a Feller Needs a Friend" (1932) to "I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now" (1940),"Too Many Blondes" (1941),and "X Marks the Spot" (1942). Her final film appearance was in the "B" western "The Wolf Hunters" (1949). Helen transitioned to television, appearing in various anthologies, including "Fireside Theatre" and "Chevon Theatre," and ended her on-camera career as a guest on "Leave It to Beaver" and "The Danny Thomas Show."
Helen's family background was marked by her older brother, Robert Parrish, who became a respected film editor and director. Her older sister, Beverly Parrish, sadly passed away at the age of 10 after filming only one movie. Helen married twice, first to actor and screenwriter Charles Lang and then to TV producer John Guedel, who survived her. She did not have any children.
Tragically, Helen passed away on February 22, 1959, at the age of 35, due to cancer, leaving behind a legacy of her promising acting career and untapped potential.
