Helen Martin
Biography
Helen Dorothy Martin was an American actress of stage and television who was born on July 23, 1909, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died on March 25, 2000, at the age of 90. Her parents were Amanda Frankie Fox and William Martin, a minister. She is perhaps most well known for her role in the sitcom 227 as Marla Gibbs' neighbor Pearl. Martin was a Broadway character actress for many decades, making her debut in Orson Welles' 1941 production of Native Son. Her Broadway credits include appearances in at least a dozen shows, such as Jean Genet's The Blacks, Raisin from 1973 to 1975, Ossie Davis' Purlie Victorious and its musical version Purlie, The Amen Corner, and Tennessee Williams' Period of Adjustment.
Career overview
Helen Dorothy Martin was an American actress of stage and television who was born on July 23, 1909, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Amanda Frankie and William Martin. She is perhaps most well known for her television role in the sitcom 227 as the neighbor Pearl to character Marla Gibbs. Over her career, Martin accumulated fifty-two known acting credits in movies, television shows, and theatrical productions.
Before her television success, Martin worked as a Broadway character actress for many decades. Her stage career began with a debut in Orson Welles' production of Native Son in 1941. Throughout her theatrical career, she appeared in at least a dozen Broadway shows. Her stage credits include Jean Genet's The Blacks, Raisin from 1973 to 1975, Ossie Davis' Purlie Victorious and its musical adaptation Purlie, The Amen Corner, and Tennessee Williams' Period of Adjustment.
Martin passed away on March 25, 2000, at the age of ninety. Her life and career spanned decades of work across American stage and television productions, leaving behind a documented legacy as a prominent character actress.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
54 titles- Something to Sing About (2000) as Elderly Woman
- Bulworth (1998) as Momma Doll
- I Got the Hook-Up (1998) as Grandmother
- Kiss the Girls (1997) as Nana Cross
- The Jamie Foxx Show (1996) as Mother Superior
- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) as Loc Dog's Grandma
- The Wayans Bros. (1995) as Mother Evans
- The Parent 'Hood (1995)
- Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) as Grandma
- Doc Hollywood (1991) as Maddie, Welcoming Committee
- House Party 2 (1991) as Mrs. Deevers
- The Flash (1990) as Sadie Grosso
- Night Angel (1990) as Sadie
- A Raisin in the Sun (1989) as Mrs. Johnson
- Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 (1988)
- Full House (1987) as Shirley
- Hollywood Shuffle (1987) as Bobby's Grandmother
- 227 (1985) as Pearl Shay
- The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There (1985)
- Amos (1985) as Mrs. McKenzie
- The Bill (1984)
- Repo Man (1984) as Mrs. Parks
- The Jerk, Too (1984) as Grandma Johnson
- Hardcastle and McCormick (1983)
- Deal of the Century (1983) as Baptist #3
- American Playhouse (1982) as Mrs. Johnson
- St. Elsewhere (1982) as Elderly Lady
- T. J. Hooker (1982) as Mrs. Sears
- Wacko (1982) as Harbinger's Mother
- Hill Street Blues (1981)
- The Stockard Channing Show (1980)
- Benson (1979)
- Dummy (1979) as Mrs. Harrod
- Better Late Than Never (1979)
- Lawman Without a Gun (1979) as Mrs. Cartwright
- The White Shadow (1978) as Old Woman
- Baby, I'm Back (1978)
- Cindy (1978) as Flower Lady
- Roots (1977) as Aunt Sukey
- A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich (1977) as Mrs. Bell
- What's Happening!! (1976) as Millie
- What's Happening!! (1976) as Mrs. Lloyd
- Starsky & Hutch (1975) as Vivian Fellers
- The Jeffersons (1975)
- Good Times (1974)
- Death Wish (1974) as Alma Lee Brown
- That's My Mama (1974)
- Sanford and Son (1972)
- Maude (1972)
- J.T. (1971) as Mrs. Hill
- The Phenix City Story (1955) as Helen Ward
- The Lady Confesses (1945) Screenplay
- Invisible Ghost (1941) Screenplay
- Invisible Ghost (1941) Story
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Helen Martin best known for?
Helen Martin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Bulworth (1998), The Exes (2011), Kiss the Girls (1997), In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007).
When and where was Helen Martin born?
Helen Martin was born on July 23, 1909 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. They passed away on March 25, 2000.
How many credits does Helen Martin have?
Helen Martin has accumulated over 54 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1941 to 2000.
What is Helen Martin's background in cinema and television?
Helen Dorothy Martin was an American actress of stage and television who was born on July 23, 1909, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died on March 25, 2000, at the age of 90. Her parents were Amanda Frankie Fox and William Martin, a minister. She is perhaps most well known for her role in the sitcom 227 as Marla Gibbs' neig...
Helen Martin by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Dummy (1979) as Mrs. Harrod — aged about 69
- Good Times (1974) — aged about 64
- Hill Street Blues (1981) — aged about 71
- Full House (1987) as Shirley — aged about 77
- Sanford and Son (1972) — aged about 62
- The Flash (1990) as Sadie Grosso — aged about 80
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