Helen Craig (actress)

Helen Craig
Born	May 13, 1912 San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Died	July 20, 1986 (Age 74) New York City, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress
Known for	Playing the title role in the Broadway production of Johnny Belinda
Spouse(s)	John Beal (1934-1986; her death)
Children	2 daughters
Parent(s)	Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Craig

Helen Craig (May 13, 1912 – July 20, 1986) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her role as the deaf title character in Johnny Belinda on Broadway.

The daughter of copper executive Edward A. Craig, Helen Craig was born on May 13, 1912 in San Antonio, Texas. She had a sister, Marian, and a brother, Edward Jr.

As well as films, Craig appeared in numerous plays, and on television she had frequent appearances in The Waltons, Kojak and The Bionic Woman.

Craig was "a graduate of the Orson Welles' celebrated Mercury Theatre". Her Broadway credits include Russet Mantle (1936), Soliloquy (1938), The Unconquered (1940), Johnny Belinda (1940), As You Like It (1941), Lute Song (1946), Land's End (1946), The House of Bernarda Alba (1951), Diamond Orchid (1965), and More Stately Mansions (1967).

Her work in Johnny Belinda required her to learn sign language, which she used throughout the play as she portrayed the deaf title character. She also had to learn to not react to lines spoken by other actors in the play. Preparation for the role included four weeks' study with a teacher who read the script and taught Craig the appropriate signs.

Craig was married to the actor John Beal. They had two daughters, Theodora Emily and Tandy Johanna.

Craig died of cardiac arrest on July 20, 1986 in New York City, aged 74. She was survived by her husband, two daughters, a brother, a sister, and a grandson.

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