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Frances Bay

Frances Bay

AKA: Frances Evelyn Bay · Frances Evelyn Goffman

Acting

Born: 1919 Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada 35 Global Credits 🔥 0.9 Popularity
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Biography

Frances Evelyn Bay (née Goffman; January 23, 1919 – September 15, 2011) was a Canadian-American character actress known for playing a variety of quirky elderly women on film and television. In a career that spanned 35 years, she acted in a variety of roles both in film and television. After initial success in radio and stage plays, she became "The Girlfriend to the Canadian Forces" on CBC Radio during World War II, boosting troops' spirits. Marriage and a move to the U.S. led to a hiatus, during which she studied acting with Uta Hagen in New York. Returning to acting at 60, Bay featured in Foul Play and gained recognition in various TV shows like Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and films such as The Wedding Planner and Twins. Her versatile career spanned over 50 films and numerous TV series, earning her awards and nominations. Notably, she appeared in the final episodes of sitcoms Seinfeld, Who’s the Boss?, and Happy Days. Bay was inducted in Canada's Walk of Fame in 2008.

Known For

Full Credits

Show / Title Year Credit / Role
The Middle 2009 Aunt Ginny
Hannah Montana 2006 Cathy
Presidio Med 2002 Joan Hart
Bob Patterson 2001 Laurie Evans
My Wife and Kids 2001 Contributor
Da Vinci's Inquest 1998 Contributor
The Hughleys 1998 Mrs. Fitch
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction 1997 Mildred Grayson (segment "The Gift")
Clueless 1996 Contributor
ER 1994 Georgia
Dave's World 1993 Daisy
The X-Files 1993 Dorothy
The Commish 1991 Contributor
Alien Nation 1989 Mrs. Gillirue
Seinfeld 1989 Mabel Choate
Tales from the Crypt 1989 Witch
Police Story 1988 Mary
ALF 1986 Louise Beaumont
L.A. Law 1986 Marian McConnell
Amazing Stories 1985 Mrs Claus
The Golden Girls 1985 Claire
Murder, She Wrote 1984 Sarah McCoy
Hunter 1984 Mrs. Laskey
St. Elsewhere 1982 Mrs. Renninger
Newhart 1982 Contributor
Remington Steele 1982 Mother Trust
Family Ties 1982 Mrs. Florence Menlo
Faerie Tale Theatre 1982 Granny
Cagney & Lacey 1982 Edna Kiss
T. J. Hooker 1982 Mrs. Greene
American Playhouse 1982 Mrs. Timmins
Fame 1982 Contributor
Hill Street Blues 1981 Elizabeth Mies
Hart to Hart 1979 Flower Vendor
Happy Days 1974 Contributor