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Frances Bay

Born 1919-01-23

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

Happy Gilmore 1996 · 7.0 Blue Velvet 1986 · 7.7 The Wedding Planner 2001 · 5.4 In the Mouth of Madness 1995 · 7.1 The Karate Kid Part III 1989 · 5.4 Inspector Gadget 1999 · 4.2 Single White Female 1992 · 6.4 Foul Play 1978 · 6.8 Critters 3 1991 · 4.5 Edmond 2006 · 6.2 Private School 1983 · 5.3 The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn 1999 · 7.4 The Paperboy 1994 · 5.1 Double Exposure 1982 · 4.9 Sparkler 1997 · 5.5 Annie's Point 2005 · 6.8