Helen Wagner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Wagner
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Wagner as Nancy Hughes McClosky (1956)
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Helen Losee Wagner
September 3, 1918 Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | May 1, 2010 (aged 91) |
| Alma mater | Monmouth College |
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| Years active | 1952–2010 |
| Known for | Actress |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Willey (1954–2009; his death) |
| Awards | Emmy, Lifetime Achievement, 2004 |
Helen Losee Wagner (born September 3, 1918 – died May 1, 2010) was a famous American actress. She was born in Lubbock, Texas. Helen Wagner was best known for playing Nancy Hughes McClosky on the TV show As the World Turns. She acted in this soap opera for about 50 years. When she passed away, she was the longest-serving actor on an American soap opera. She also appeared in other early TV shows like Guiding Light and Valiant Lady.
Contents
About Helen Wagner's Life
Early Life and Education
Helen Losee Wagner was born on September 3, 1918. Her parents were Charles and Janette Wagner. She had one sister. Helen studied music and drama at Monmouth College in Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1938.
Starting Her Acting Career
Before joining As the World Turns in 1956, Helen was a singer and a stage actress. Sometimes, she sang as a church soloist to help pay her bills. She performed in several plays on Broadway. These plays included Sunny River, Oklahoma!, and The Bad Seed.
Family Life and Passing
In 1954, Helen married Robert Willey. He was also an actor and a theater producer. Robert passed away in 2009. Helen Wagner died from cancer on May 1, 2010. She was 91 years old.
Helen Wagner on As the World Turns
Playing Nancy Hughes
Helen Wagner played the character Nancy Hughes from the very first episode of As the World Turns. The show started on April 2, 1956. She continued in this role until her death. She was recognized in Guinness World Records for acting in the same TV role for the longest time. She held this record until 2010.
The First Line of the Show
Helen Wagner spoke the very first line ever heard on As the World Turns. Her line was, "Good morning, dear."
A Moment in History
On November 22, 1963, Helen Wagner became part of a big moment in TV history. About ten minutes into that day's episode, a scene with her character was interrupted. Walter Cronkite broke the news that President John F. Kennedy had been shot. This news was only audio at first. Helen and another actor, Santos Ortega, kept acting their scene. They did not know what was happening until a commercial break.
Later Years on the Show
After her TV husband passed away in 1986, Nancy Hughes became a widow. She later married Dan McClosky. Her character was part of a story where Dan got Alzheimer's disease. After Dan's death, Helen had fewer storylines for a while. She returned to a big role in 2004. This story was about her grandson's marriage. In the years 2005, 2006, and 2007, she appeared about three times a month. She was also a main part of the show's 50th anniversary episode in April 2006.
The End of an Era
Helen Wagner passed away less than two months before As The World Turns filmed its last episode. The TV network CBS announced the show's cancellation in December 2009. Many fans hoped Helen would say, "Good night, dear," as the show's final line. This would have matched her first line, "Good morning, dear." The last episode was filmed on June 23, 2010, and aired on September 17, 2010.
Awards and Recognition
In May 2004, Helen Wagner received a "Lifetime Achievement" Emmy Award. This award honored her long and successful acting career.
Helen Wagner's College Connection
Honorary Degree
In 1988, Helen Wagner's old college, Monmouth College in Illinois, gave her a special award. They gave her an honorary degree called "Doctor of Humane Letters." This was a way to recognize her achievements.
Helping Her College
The next year, Helen led a group that raised over $1 million. This money helped build a new, modern theater at the college. On the opening night of the new Wells Theater, Helen Wagner acted in the play The Lion in Winter. She played the role of Eleanor.
