Katherine Helmond

Born:July 5, 1929

Place of Birth:Galveston, Texas, USA

Died:February 23, 2019

Known For:Acting

Biography

Katherine Helmond, born on July 5, 1929, left a lasting impact on the world of film, theater, and television before her passing on February 23, 2019. With a career spanning over five decades, she captivated audiences with her versatile performances that showcased her talent and range as an actress and director.

One of her most iconic roles was as the lovable yet eccentric matriarch Jessica Tate on the ABC sitcom Soap from 1977 to 1981. Her portrayal of Jessica earned her critical acclaim and solidified her as a household name in the world of television. Helmond's comedic timing and ability to bring depth to her characters made her a standout in the industry.

In addition to Soap, Helmond charmed audiences as Mona Robinson on the hit series Who's the Boss? from 1984 to 1992. Her portrayal of the feisty mother resonated with viewers and showcased her ability to bring warmth and humor to the screen. Her on-screen presence added a layer of authenticity to the show, making her a fan favorite.

Helmond's talent extended beyond television, as she also made memorable appearances in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Family Plot (1976), Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985), and Overboard (1987). Her ability to seamlessly transition between television and film roles highlighted her versatility as an actress and solidified her status as a versatile performer.

In addition to her work on the screen, Helmond lent her voice to the beloved character Lizzie in Disney/Pixar's Cars trilogy. Her distinctive voice brought the character to life, captivating audiences of all ages and further showcasing her talent as a performer.

Throughout her career, Helmond's contributions to the entertainment industry were numerous and impactful. Her work on both the small and big screens left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. Katherine Helmond will always be remembered for her immense talent, unforgettable performances, and enduring influence on the world of entertainment.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Cars

Lizzie (voice)

2006

Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters.

Cars 2

Lizzie (voice)

2011

Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Cars 3

Lizzie (voice)

2017

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Brazil

Mrs. Ida Lowry

1985

Low-level bureaucrat Sam Lowry escapes the monotony of his day-to-day life through a recurring daydream of himself as a virtuous hero saving a beautiful damsel. Investigating a case that led to the wrongful arrest and eventual death of an innocent man instead of wanted terrorist Harry Tuttle, he meets the woman from his daydream, and in trying to help her gets caught in a web of mistaken identities, mindless bureaucracy and lies.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Desk Clerk at Mint Hotel

1998

Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo drive a red convertible across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop, he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.

Overboard

Edith Mintz

1987

Heiress Joanna Stayton hires carpenter Dean Proffitt to build a closet on her yacht—and refuses to pay him for the project when it's done. But after Joanna accidentally falls overboard and loses her memory, Dean sees an opportunity to get even.

Time Bandits

Mrs. Ogre

1981

Young history buff Kevin can scarcely believe it when six dwarfs emerge from his closet one night. Former employees of the Supreme Being, they've purloined a map charting all of the holes in the fabric of time and are using it to steal treasures from different historical eras. Taking Kevin with them, they variously drop in on Napoleon, Robin Hood and King Agamemnon before the Supreme Being catches up with them.

Family Plot

Mrs. Maloney

1976

Spiritualist Blanche Tyler and her cab-driving boyfriend encounter a pair of serial kidnappers while trailing a missing heir in California.

The Hindenburg

Mrs. Mildred Breslau

1975

Colonel Franz Ritter, a former hero pilot now working for military intelligence, is assigned to the great Hindenburg airship as its chief of security. As he races against the clock to uncover a possible saboteur aboard the doomed zeppelin he finds that any of the passengers and crew could be the culprit.