Helen Westcott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Westcott
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Westcott in 1950
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| Born |
Myrthas Helen Hickman
January 1, 1928 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Died | March 17, 1998 (aged 70) Edmonds, Washington, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1934–1977 |
| Spouse(s) |
Don Gordon
(m. 1948; div. 1953)Joseph Johnson-Smith (1975–1981; his death) |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) |
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Helen Westcott (born Myrthas Helen Hickman, January 1, 1928 – March 17, 1998) was an American actress. She started acting as a child. She is best known for her role in the 1950 movie The Gunfighter.
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Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Helen Westcott was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Hazel Beth McArthur, was a singer. Her father, Gordon Westcott, was an actor for Warner Bros. movie studio. Sadly, her father passed away when Helen was seven years old.
Helen started performing very young. When she was two, she appeared in vaudeville shows with her mother. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with many different acts, like singing, dancing, and comedy. At age seven, she began a long run in a play called The Drunkard in Los Angeles. She played the daughter in the show for nine years! Helen later went to Los Angeles City College.
Movies and Big Screen Roles
Helen Westcott began her film career when she was very young. At age four, she appeared in a series of short films. When she was five, she acted in a full-length movie called Thunder Over Texas.
She later starred alongside famous actor Gregory Peck in the classic western movie The Gunfighter, which came out in 1950. She was also known for her part in the 1953 comedy horror film Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, directed by Charles Lamont.
Television Appearances
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In the late 1950s, Helen Westcott started acting more on television. In 1958, she appeared on the popular show Perry Mason. She also made guest appearances on other well-known TV series. These included Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, and Wanted Dead Or Alive.
Later Career and Personal Life
Later in her career, Helen Westcott continued to act on stage. She also appeared in films like Anthony Mann's God's Little Acre in 1958.
Helen Westcott married actor Don Gordon in 1948. They had a daughter named Jennifer in 1950. They later divorced in 1953. Helen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a registered Republican.
Death
Helen Westcott passed away from cancer on March 17, 1998. She died in Edmonds, Washington, at the age of 70. Her body was cremated.
Images for kids
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Westcott in 1950
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Westcott in the 1960 Bonanza episode "The Fear Merchants"
