Katherine Helmond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Katherine Helmond
Helmond at the 41st Primetime Emmy Awards in 1989
Born	Katherine Marie Helmond (1929-07-05)July 5, 1929 Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Died	February 23, 2019(2019-02-23) (aged 89) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1955–2019
Known for	Soap Who's the Boss? Everybody Loves Raymond
Spouse(s)	George N. Martin ​ ​ (m. 1957; div. 1962)​ David Christian ​ ​ (m. 1962)​

Katherine Marie Helmond (born July 5, 1929 – died February 23, 2019) was a talented American actress. She was famous for her roles in many TV shows and movies over five decades. Many people remember her as Jessica Tate in the sitcom Soap (1977–1981). She also played Mona Robinson in Who's the Boss? (1984–1992).

Katherine Helmond also appeared in the British version of Who's the Boss?, called The Upper Hand. She was also known for playing Doris Sherman in Coach. Later, she played Lois Whelan, the mother of Debra Barone, in Everybody Loves Raymond. Besides TV shows, she had roles in movies like Time Bandits and Brazil. Kids might know her voice as Lizzie in the Cars animated movies.

Early life and education

Katherine Helmond was born on July 5, 1929, in Galveston, Texas. She was the only child of Thelma and Joseph P. Helmond. Her mother and grandmother, who were very religious, raised her. She went to a Catholic school and loved acting in school plays.

For a short time, she attended Bob Jones University. There, she even appeared in a film made by the university called Wine of Morning.

Acting career highlights

Katherine Helmond started her acting career on stage in New York City in 1955. Her first play was As You Like It. She also managed a summer theater in the Catskills for three years. She even taught acting at universities.

Early television and stage work

Her first TV appearance was in 1962. However, she became much more famous in the 1970s. She was also a successful stage actress. She was even nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway play The Great God Brown in 1973. A Tony Award is a very important award for theater actors. She also acted in other Broadway shows like Private Lives and Don Juan.

Famous TV roles

Katherine Helmond became widely known as Jessica Tate in the comedy series Soap. This show ran from 1977 to 1981. From 1984 to 1992, she played Mona Robinson in the popular sitcom Who's the Boss?. Her role as Mona earned her many fans.

Later, from 1995 to 1997, she starred in the TV show Coach. She played Doris Sherman, the fun and quirky owner of a fictional football team. From 1996 to 2004, she had a recurring role in Everybody Loves Raymond. She played Lois Whelan, the mother-in-law of the main character, Ray Barone. She also made guest appearances on other shows like The Glades and True Blood.

Film appearances and voice acting

Helmond appeared in several films. These included Alfred Hitchcock's Family Plot (1976) and Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits (1981). She also played the mother of the main character in Gilliam's movie Brazil (1985). She was in Garry Marshall's comedy Overboard (1987).

One of her most loved roles for kids was her voice work. She voiced the character Lizzie in the animated Cars film series. She voiced Lizzie in Cars (2006), Cars 2 (2011), and Cars 3 (2017).

Helmond in 1979

Awards and recognition

Katherine Helmond received many awards and nominations for her acting. She was nominated for a Tony Award in 1973 for her stage work. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award four times for her role in Soap. An Emmy Award is a major award for television actors.

She received more Emmy nominations for her role as Mona Robinson in Who's the Boss? in 1988 and 1989. In 2002, she was nominated for an Emmy for her guest role in Everybody Loves Raymond. She won two Golden Globe Awards for her work in Who's the Boss? and Soap. A Golden Globe is another important award for actors in film and television.

Personal life

In 1957, Katherine Helmond married George N. Martin. They later divorced in 1962. She then married her second husband, David Christian, in 1962. They stayed married until her death. They lived in different places, including Los Angeles, New York City, Long Island, and London.

Death

Katherine Helmond passed away on February 23, 2019. She was 89 years old. She died from complications of Alzheimer's disease at her home in Los Angeles. Her death was announced about a week later.

Selected filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Katherine Helmond para niños