Star
april,
2007
Helen Hayes
October 10, 1900 - March 17, 1993
by – G. K. Holland
“Undeniably
the greatest actress in the history of the American stage, Helen Hayes
was born on October 10, 1900 in
First Lady of American
Theater
"Tell
me and I will forget. Show
me and I will remember. Involve me and I will
understand." --
Chinese Proverb
As
a Multi-media project which will eventually be represented in a number of
artistic incarnations, we can not help but admire and acknowledge Helen Hayes
who is one of only twelve people who have won an
Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award, in film, TV, stage and
radio. She is a true American legend of theater and entertainment and her
accomplishments continue to inspire many even today. For example, the Helen
Hayes Theater Awards which take place in April of this year continue to
recognize exceptional performances in theater. Her career spanned almost
seventy years and earned her the title of ‘First Lady of American Theater’!
A Prolific Author & Activist
Hayes wrote three memoirs: A Gift of Joy,
On Reflection and My Life in Three Acts. Some of the themes in
these books include her return to Roman Catholicism
after having been denied communion from the Church for the length of her marriage
to MacArthur, who was a Protestant and a divorcé, and the death of her only daughter, Mary, who was an
aspiring actress, from polio. Hayes's son James MacArthur, went on to a career
in acting also, starring Hawaii Five-O
on television.
Hayes was hospitalized a number of time for her asthma condition, which
was aggravated by stage dust. The asthma eventually forced her to retire from
the theater. She spent most of her later years writing and raising money for
organizations that fight asthma. Hayes died on St. Patrick's Day, March 17,
1993from congestive heart failure, aged 92. However, her memory and work live
on, as it should.
She need to be commended for taking her ‘real life
affliction’ and using her talent, resources and notoriety to help make a
difference for all who would come after her with asthma. This kind of
humanitarian work from someone who had risen to the top of their game, is what
true artistry seeks to attain. Which is to ultimately affect the world we live
in a positive and meaningful way because after all art really does reflect life
and vice-versa.
Helen Hayes Theater Awards
Mission of the staff who founded the Helen Hayes Theater Awards
reads as follows: 1)To
recognize achievement and promote excellence in theatrical production and
performance in the Washington metropolitan area, 2) To
stimulate further development of the professional theatre community and thereby
the community as a whole, 3)To encourage the growth and stability of theatrical
audiences and support for professional theatres. Their charter and mission is
reflective of what Helen’s work stood and still stands for.
A True Star
Helen
Hayes we’d like to personally thank you for your time here on earth and the gift
of great dramatic skill that you left us in film to be inspired by for
generations to come. May God bless and forever embrace your inspired spirit.
You lived a very full life. You embody what the Star Walkers are all about,
which is goodness, loyalty, true friendship, excellence, courage, kindness, compassion,
family, divine purpose, exceptional talents and love. We extend to you an honorary 5th
Rank within the Star Walker Ken Ju Kai. It is one of the highest ranks among the
warriors of good within the Star Walker World known as the Ken Ju Kai! In the
spirit of the Star Walker Ken Ju Kai, we here at Star Walker – remember you
Helen Hayes because you are, a True Star Walker.
Commenteors
– What other people have to say about this Star Walker of the Month, these
commentaries are like comets and meteors, brief but prolific and enlightening –
sure to leave a trail of insightfulness across your heart - what we call Commenteors.
To
Star Walk – Click here and find the star of Helen Hayes as she is
forever remembered in the galaxy of the stars within the Star Walker Universe.
View and watch the skies slowly fill in the coming months and years as the
light of Star Walker, after Star Walker, after Star Walker fills the heavens.
We do this as an interactive memorial and tribute to those who have through
fate, destiny, and even under divine purpose, left the rest of us behind, as
well as to those who are still with us.
Star
Past Star Walkers of the Month:
March 2007 - Nelson Mandela
February 2007 - James Brown
December 2006 - Paul Allen Knopf
Past Star
Walkers of the Month