Helen Dowdy facts for kids
Helen Dowdy was a talented American actress and singer. She was well-known for her work on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. Helen was born in New York City.
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Early Career and Famous Roles
Helen Dowdy became famous for playing important roles in classic American musicals.
Show Boat
In 1946, Helen Dowdy played the role of Queenie in a new version of the musical Show Boat. This show was created by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The character of Queenie was first played by another actress, Tess Gardella, in 1927.
Porgy and Bess
Helen Dowdy also helped create two original roles in George Gershwin's famous opera, Porgy and Bess. She played the characters of Lily and the Strawberry Woman. She performed these roles for almost 20 years in many different shows! In 1951, she sang these two roles, plus the role of Maria, on a special recording of the opera.
Television Appearances
Helen Dowdy also appeared on television.
Hallmark Hall of Fame
On October 17, 1957, Helen Dowdy was on an episode of the TV show Hallmark Hall of Fame. She played the character called the Stout Angel. This was in a TV version of a play called The Green Pastures. This play was written by Marc Connelly and won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.
Touring with Katherine Dunham
In 1944, Helen Dowdy went on tour with the dance group led by Katherine Dunham. This shows she was a versatile performer, able to work in different kinds of shows.
