Frances Bay
Acting
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.
Born: January 23, 1919
Place of Birth: Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
Known For
Filmography
as Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont)
as Aunt Barbara
as Rosie Mcintyre
as Aunt Ginny
as Granma De La Chasse
as Cathy
as Nanna
as Fortune Teller
as Older Woman
as Grandma Shallot
as Wise Old Woman
as Laurie Evans
as Edna Winchester
as Mrs. Darmsetter
as Dottie
as Mrs. Steiner
as Mrs. Sloan
as Thelma
as Mrs. Lewis
as Old Woman
as Old Phoebe
as Martha Craddock
as Edith Proxmire
as Elizabeth Hadley
as Raspy
as Mildred Grayson (segment "The Gift")
as Midge
as Mrs. Tidgely
as Elisabeth Kronner
as Grandma
as Rosalie
as Mrs. Pickman
as Mrs. Rosemont
as Georgia
as Aunt Sylvia
as Daisy
as Dorothy
as Grandma
as Elderly Neighbor
as Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont)
as Iva Ruth McKinney
as Mrs. Menges
as Esmeralda
as Tante Sylvia
as Madam
as Arizona Motel Clerk
as Evelyn Metcalf
as Mrs. Tremond
as Grandma
as Mabel Choate
as Mrs. Milo
as Witch
as Millie Reynolds
as Victoria's Grandmother
as Mother Superior
as Mrs. Haynes
as Gertrude
as Louise Beaumont
as Aunt Barbara
as Marian McConnell
as Bertril
as Samantha Bergstrom
as Mrs Claus
as Lydia
as Claire
as Betty Gritz
as Sarah McCoy
as Emma Parsons
as Mrs. Laskey
as Lady with Dog
as Old Woman
as Granny
as Miss Wyatt
as Birdie Fallmouth
as Mrs. Timmins
as Mrs. Renninger
as Mother Trust
as Mrs. Brubaker
as Mrs. Florence Menlo
as Granny
as Old Woman
as Mrs. Greene
as Mabel Simpson
as Mrs. Lewenowski
as Female Patient
as Mrs. Lindey
as Elizabeth Mies
as Librarian
as Mrs. Quincy
as Mrs. Delillo
as Flower Vendor
as Mrs. Russel
as Grandma Nussbaum