Helen Gallagher
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Latest News on Helen Gallagher:
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming (Jun 5, 2025)
EXIT THE KING to be Presented by Basement Theatrics for One Night Only (May 29, 2025)
BHAI BHAI BHAI By Veer Arya To Have Developmental Reading At Basement Theatrics (May 7, 2025)
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming (Jun 5, 2025)
EXIT THE KING to be Presented by Basement Theatrics for One Night Only (May 29, 2025)
BHAI BHAI BHAI By Veer Arya To Have Developmental Reading At Basement Theatrics (May 7, 2025)
BIO
Helen Gallagher received her first Tony Award in 1952 for her memorable performance as Gladys Bumps in the original Broadway company of the musical Pal Joey. She went on to win a second Tony in 1971 for her grandiose turn in the musical No, No, Nanette.
Offstage, Helen was the winner of three Emmys for her role as Maeve Ryan in the long-running soap opera Ryan's Hope. As an active professional, she studied weekly with HB Studio Master Teacher Uta Hagen and was an instructor of Singing for the Musical Theater at HB Studio.
Helen's other Broadway credits included runs in Sugar Babies, Mame, Sweet Charity, Pajama Game, Hazel Flagg, and High Button Shoes. She made notable appearances in the City Center productions of Oklahoma!, Guys And Dolls, Finian’s Rainbow, and Brigadoon.
She was seen Off-Broadway in Tallulah, I Can’t Keep Running In Place, The Misanthrope, Electra, Red Rover Red Rover, The Gingerbread Lady, and Hothouse.
Her film roles included appearances in Strangers When We Meet and Roseland.
Gallagher passed away on November 24, 2024 at the age of 98 at a hospital in Manhattan.
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Featured Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Agnes Gooch [Replacement]
Vera Charles [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Agnes Gooch [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Nickie
Charity [Replacement]
Charity Hope Valentine [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Nickie
Charity [Replacement]
(Understudy)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1964
Sadie (Understudy) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1954
Gladys [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1949
Neighbor
Daughter
Performer
The Girl
Theatregoer
Performer
Neighbor
Daughter
Theatregoer
The Girl
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1945
Chorine
Dancer
Neighbor
Chorine
Dancer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Performer (Understudy)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Productions
Movies
Strangers When We Meet
[ 1960 ] Betty Anders
[ 1960 ] Betty Anders
Roseland
[ 1977 ] Cleo The Hustle
[ 1977 ] Cleo The Hustle
Neptune's Rocking Horse
[ 1997 ] Sadie
[ 1997 ] Sadie
TV Shows
Shangri-La
Lise
Lise
Another World
Hannah Tuttle
Hannah Tuttle
Ryan's Hope
[ 1975-1989 ] Maeve Ryan, Maeve Colleary Ryan
[ 1975-1989 ] Maeve Ryan, Maeve Colleary Ryan
Law & Order
Flo Bishop
Flo Bishop
All My Children
Nurse Harris
Nurse Harris
One Life to Live
[ 1997-1998 ] Dr. Maud Boylan
[ 1997-1998 ] Dr. Maud Boylan
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Performance
Helen Gallagher, No, No, Nanette
winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, No, No Nanette
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Sweet Charity
Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Sweet Charity
winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Helen Gallagher, Pal Joey
Videos
News
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025
The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has confirmed the inaugural marquee dimming. See who will be honored.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025
The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has confirmed the inaugural marquee dimming. See who will be honored.
EXIT THE KING to be Presented by Basement Theatrics for One Night Only
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Basement Theatrics will present its staged reading of Eugène Ionesco's classic Exit The King at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre at HB Studio. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Basement Theatrics will present its staged reading of Eugène Ionesco's classic Exit The King at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre at HB Studio. Learn more here!
BHAI BHAI BHAI By Veer Arya To Have Developmental Reading At Basement Theatrics
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025
A developmental reading of Veer Arya's new play, Bhai bhai bhai, will be presented by Basement Theatrics as part of its Ground UP Series. The event will take place on Sunday, May 11, at 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM) at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theater at HB Studio (120 Bank Street, New York, NY 10014).
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025
A developmental reading of Veer Arya's new play, Bhai bhai bhai, will be presented by Basement Theatrics as part of its Ground UP Series. The event will take place on Sunday, May 11, at 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM) at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theater at HB Studio (120 Bank Street, New York, NY 10014).
Feature: December's Birthday Tributee Is A Class Act
by Rob Lester - Dec 7, 2024
Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature.
by Rob Lester - Dec 7, 2024
Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature.
Tony and Emmy-Winning Actor Helen Gallagher Dies At Age 98
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2024
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the death of Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, Helen Gallagher. The acclaimed actor and educator was 98 at the time of her passing.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2024
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the death of Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, Helen Gallagher. The acclaimed actor and educator was 98 at the time of her passing.
Yangtze Rep Awards Project YZ $10K Residencies To Nana Dakin And Chika Shimizu
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2024
Yangtze Repertory Theatre awards $10K residencies to Nana Dakin and Chika Shimizu. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2024
Yangtze Repertory Theatre awards $10K residencies to Nana Dakin and Chika Shimizu. Learn more!
Review: FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS IN CONCERT at 54 Below Is All The Things
by Stephen Mosher - Sep 17, 2022
Robert W. Schneider and Michael Lavine do themselves, 54 Below, and Broadway proud with their remarkable historical concert.
by Stephen Mosher - Sep 17, 2022
Robert W. Schneider and Michael Lavine do themselves, 54 Below, and Broadway proud with their remarkable historical concert.
Musical Theater Melodies Celebrates 120th Birthday of Legendary Composer Richard Rodgers with Broadcast and Streaming Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2022
Tuesday June 28th, 2022, marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will commemorate the occasion with the broadcast and streaming premiere of the Museum of the City of New York's A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD RODGERS, recorded live at The Imperial Theatre, New York City, on March 26th, 1972.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2022
Tuesday June 28th, 2022, marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of legendary Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, Rob Morrison's Musical Theatre Melodies will commemorate the occasion with the broadcast and streaming premiere of the Museum of the City of New York's A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD RODGERS, recorded live at The Imperial Theatre, New York City, on March 26th, 1972.
Susanne Mack Returns To Pangea May 20 For Final Performance of FRAGMENTS
by Stephen Mosher - Apr 24, 2022
Much-lauded cabaret singer Susanne Mack will play her 2021 show FRAGMENTS for one final encore.
by Stephen Mosher - Apr 24, 2022
Much-lauded cabaret singer Susanne Mack will play her 2021 show FRAGMENTS for one final encore.
BWW Interview: Barbara Bleier of LIFE, LOVE, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE? on MetropolitanZoom
by Stephen Mosher - May 1, 2021
With years of cabaret experiences behind them, Barbara Bleier, Austin Pendleton, Barbara Maier Gustern and Paul Greenwood are taking to the 'net for their latest cabaret show, and Bleier has a lot to say about it.
by Stephen Mosher - May 1, 2021
With years of cabaret experiences behind them, Barbara Bleier, Austin Pendleton, Barbara Maier Gustern and Paul Greenwood are taking to the 'net for their latest cabaret show, and Bleier has a lot to say about it.
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 5 - Josh Groban, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2020
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2020
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
Skyline Theatre Company's 2020 Horizon Award goes to Fair Lawn Borough's Ms. Robin Schamach
by Stephi Wild - Aug 9, 2020
Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 9, 2020
Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.
Broadway and Film Actress Paula Kelly Dies at 76
by Stephi Wild - Feb 9, 2020
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. She was 76. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical Something More!, alongside Barbara Cook. Her other Broadway credits include The Dozens (1969), Paul Sills' Story Theatre (1971), Ovid's Metamorphoses (1971), and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
by Stephi Wild - Feb 9, 2020
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. She was 76. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical Something More!, alongside Barbara Cook. Her other Broadway credits include The Dozens (1969), Paul Sills' Story Theatre (1971), Ovid's Metamorphoses (1971), and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (1981).
Photo Flash: HB Studio 2019 Gala Celebrates UTA AT 100
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2019
On Monday, June 10 nearly 250 people gathered at the Tribeca Rooftop for the HB Studio Gala celebrating the centennial of its long-time master teacher, the two-time Tony Award winning actress Uta Hagen, whose 100th birthday is Wednesday, June 12.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2019
On Monday, June 10 nearly 250 people gathered at the Tribeca Rooftop for the HB Studio Gala celebrating the centennial of its long-time master teacher, the two-time Tony Award winning actress Uta Hagen, whose 100th birthday is Wednesday, June 12.
Throwing Out My CDs by Ben Rimalower: SWEET CHARITY
by Ben Rimalower - Apr 12, 2019
Like the rest of you, I've spent this week obsessing over 'Fosse Verdon' on FX and especially Gwen Verdon, played brilliantly on the series by Michelle Williams, in a performance that makes you want to reinvestigate what made Gwen so great. Sweet Charity is the perfect place to start. Gwen became a star and won her first Tony in a featured role in Can Can and she gained worldwide acclaim (and number 2 in a total of four Tonys) as Lola in Damn Yankees on stage and screen and of course there were many other shows and movies and TV appearances, but Sweet Charity was the show Bob Fosse (and Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon) created just for her. She may have lost the Tony to Angela Lansbury in Mame, but Gwen got that iconic poster and all those songs.
by Ben Rimalower - Apr 12, 2019
Like the rest of you, I've spent this week obsessing over 'Fosse Verdon' on FX and especially Gwen Verdon, played brilliantly on the series by Michelle Williams, in a performance that makes you want to reinvestigate what made Gwen so great. Sweet Charity is the perfect place to start. Gwen became a star and won her first Tony in a featured role in Can Can and she gained worldwide acclaim (and number 2 in a total of four Tonys) as Lola in Damn Yankees on stage and screen and of course there were many other shows and movies and TV appearances, but Sweet Charity was the show Bob Fosse (and Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon) created just for her. She may have lost the Tony to Angela Lansbury in Mame, but Gwen got that iconic poster and all those songs.
BWW Exclusive: Inside the National Asian Artists Project Gala with Baayork Lee and More!
by Richard Ridge - Dec 7, 2018
The 2018 Inaugural NAAP (National Asian Artists Project) Gala took place on December 2nd celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical 'Flower Drum Song'. Cast members from numerous productions including the original 1958 Broadway company, tours, the 1961 film and the 2002 Broadway revival took over the Golden Unicorn Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a magical evening that included a spectacular eight course Chinese banquet and a sensational show.
by Richard Ridge - Dec 7, 2018
The 2018 Inaugural NAAP (National Asian Artists Project) Gala took place on December 2nd celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking musical 'Flower Drum Song'. Cast members from numerous productions including the original 1958 Broadway company, tours, the 1961 film and the 2002 Broadway revival took over the Golden Unicorn Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a magical evening that included a spectacular eight course Chinese banquet and a sensational show.
Richard Skipper Celebrates and Commemorates The Life And Work Of Richard Barclay
by BWW News Desk - May 26, 2018
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
by BWW News Desk - May 26, 2018
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Exclusive Podcast: Go 'Behind the Curtain' with Two-Time Tony Winner Helen Gallagher
by Behind the Curtain - May 14, 2018
You can dance with any girl at all but why would you when the lovely Helen Gallagher is right here and ready to look back on her amazing journey which includes the original productions of Billion Dollar Baby, Brigadoon, High Button Shoes, the 1952 Pal Joey (for which she won a Tony Award), Make a Wish, Hazel Flagg, The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, and the 1971 No, No, Nanette for which she won her second Tony Award.
by Behind the Curtain - May 14, 2018
You can dance with any girl at all but why would you when the lovely Helen Gallagher is right here and ready to look back on her amazing journey which includes the original productions of Billion Dollar Baby, Brigadoon, High Button Shoes, the 1952 Pal Joey (for which she won a Tony Award), Make a Wish, Hazel Flagg, The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, and the 1971 No, No, Nanette for which she won her second Tony Award.
Richard Skipper Celebrates and Commemorates The Life And Work Of Richard Barclay
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2018
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2018
Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Barclay featuring Frank Basile, Julie Budd, Eileen Fulton, Richard Holbrook, Ilene Kristen, with Musical Director, Rolf Barnes. October of last year, the entertainment industry lost a powerful friend. Richard Barclay, a celebrated singer/actor and producer/director ended his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Before There Was BYE BYE BIRDIE, There Was A POUND IN YOUR POCKET
by Stephi Wild - Jan 18, 2018
As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will present the rarely heard musical A Pound in Your Pocket as part of its popular Second Act Series on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00pm. The very first collaboration from acclaimed songwriters Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, best known for Bye Bye Birdie, A Pound In Your Pocket is a delightful, Dickensian story about friendship and redemption. Strouse will be on hand at the one-night-only concert to greet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 18, 2018
As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will present the rarely heard musical A Pound in Your Pocket as part of its popular Second Act Series on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00pm. The very first collaboration from acclaimed songwriters Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, best known for Bye Bye Birdie, A Pound In Your Pocket is a delightful, Dickensian story about friendship and redemption. Strouse will be on hand at the one-night-only concert to greet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Helen Gallagher been in?
Helen Gallagher has appeared on Broadway in 20 shows.
How many West End shows has Helen Gallagher been in?
Helen Gallagher has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Helen Gallagher been nominated for?
Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for No, No, Nanette, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for No, No Nanette, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Charity, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Charity and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Pal Joey.
What awards has Helen Gallagher won?
Helen Gallagher has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance for No, No, Nanette. She also received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for No, No Nanette, as well as the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Pal Joey.
Videos