Person Biography:
Helen Shipman was born in Pennsylvania, USA in 1899. She was the daughter of William H. and Annie L. (Mitchell) Shipman. Her mother, Annie, was a stage actress of some note. Helen's early career began at the age of 12, where she was recognized as one of the foremost child impersonators of the early 1900s.
She started her professional career as "Baby Phyllis" at the Duquesne theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Later, she toured with the B.F. Keith show circuit in a play titled "Little Nemo." She also worked in small shows at the Palace Theatre in New York City, singing songs composed by the well-known lyricist, Neville Fleeson.
Helen's breakthrough came in 1915 when she was invited by Flo Ziegfeld to co-star in his new "Midnight Frolic" production. She later performed in various Broadway shows, including "Robinson Crusoe, Jr." and "Oh Boy!", and starred in the longest-running play at the Princess Theatre.
Helen is probably best known for her starring role in the Broadway production "Irene." She toured with this play to cities across the country and appeared in at least 13 movies. Helen effectively retired after her marriage to Edward J. Pawley in 1937.
Helen Shipman died on April 13, 1984, at the age of 85, while a resident of Rock Mills, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered near her home.
