Phyllis Frelich
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- February 29, 1944 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, USA
- Died
- April 10, 2014
- Active Years
- 1951–2008 (58 Years)
- Total Credits
- 15 credits in database
Biography
Phyllis Annetta Frelich was a deaf American actress born on February 29, 1944, in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, and she died on April 10, 2014, at the age of 70. She was the first deaf actor to win a Tony Award. As the oldest of nine children, she attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf, graduating in 1962, and later attended Gallaudet College, which was renamed Gallaudet University, where she actively participated in theater. She made her debut on April 2, 1967. Throughout her acting career, she accumulated known credits that included appearances in television shows and movies such as ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, L.A. Law, Sweet Nothing in My Ear, Children on Their Birthdays, Love Is Never Silent, Santa Fe, and Bridge to Silence.
Career overview
Phyllis Annetta Frelich was a deaf American actress born on February 29, 1944, in Devil's Lake, North Dakota. She was the oldest of nine children and attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf, graduating in 1962. She later attended Gallaudet College, which was subsequently renamed Gallaudet University, where she participated in theater. Frelich is recognized as a trailblazing performer who achieved success through her work in both theater and film. She holds the distinction of being the first deaf actor to win a Tony Award.
Throughout her career, Frelich appeared in a variety of television and film projects. Her acting credits include roles in ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and L.A. Law. Her filmography also features appearances in Sweet Nothing in My Ear, Children on Their Birthdays, Love Is Never Silent, Santa Fe, and Bridge to Silence. Frelich maintained a career that spanned several decades, contributing to numerous productions before her death on April 10, 2014, at the age of 70. Her legacy remains defined by her dedication to the performing arts and her impact as a deaf actress in the entertainment industry.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
15 titles- Sweet Nothing in My Ear (2008) as Sally
- Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002) as Helga
- Children on Their Birthdays (2002) as Mrs. Bobbit
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Betty Grissom
- Santa Fe (1997) as Dr. Joyce Ginsberg
- Pacific Blue (1996) as Helena
- ER (1994) as Lisa Parks
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Frances Lamar
- Bridge to Silence (1989) as Amanda Wingfield
- L.A. Law (1986) as Suzanne Bidwell
- Love Is Never Silent (1985) as Janice Ryder
- Hunter (1984) as Barbara Collins
- Night of 100 Stars (1982) as Self
- Barney Miller (1975) as Madeline Schaefer
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Janice Ryder
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Phyllis Frelich best known for?
Phyllis Frelich is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), Pacific Blue (1996), Lust, Caution (2007).
When and where was Phyllis Frelich born?
Phyllis Frelich was born on February 29, 1944 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, USA. They passed away on April 10, 2014.
How many credits does Phyllis Frelich have?
Phyllis Frelich has accumulated over 15 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1951 to 2008.
What is Phyllis Frelich's background in cinema and television?
Phyllis Annetta Frelich was a deaf American actress born on February 29, 1944, in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, and she died on April 10, 2014, at the age of 70. She was the first deaf actor to win a Tony Award. As the oldest of nine children, she attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf, graduating in 1962, and lat...
Phyllis Frelich by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Janice Ryder — aged about 7
- ER (1994) as Lisa Parks — aged about 50
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Betty Grissom — aged about 56
- Barney Miller (1975) as Madeline Schaefer — aged about 31
- Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002) as Helga — aged about 58
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Frances Lamar — aged about 49
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