Beloved ‘Ryan’s Hope’ Star Helen Gallagher Passes Away at 96 – A Soap Opera Legend Remembered

Helen Gallagher, an actress best remembered for her popular role in the ABC serial opera “Ryan’s Hope” in the 1970s, passed away at the age of 96. The adored actress, singer, and dancer passed away in a Manhattan hospital on November 26. Helen received three Daytime Emmys, two Tony Awards, a Donaldson Award, and a Drama Desk Award during her remarkable life. Helen’s most well-known role was that of Maeve Ryan, who she played for more than 13 years on the ABC serial drama Ryan’s Home.

Although Maeve was portrayed in the series as a kind and caring mother, if you get on her wrong side, she can be hot-headed and have a short Irish temper. Maeve, the aspirational co-owner of Ryan’s Bar in New York City, was one of the main characters on the show. In addition, Maeve was Annie’s sister and Johnny’s devoted wife. Helen appeared in several other television series, motion pictures, and Broadway productions in addition to her role on the popular soap opera. The most well-known plays Helen acted in over her illustrious career included Make a Wish, Hazel Flagg, Portofino, High Button Shoes, and Sweet Charity. She did this for more than 70 years.

Regarding her TV appearances, Helen co-hosted the 15-minute talent-discovery show Manhattan Showcase on CBS. Helen went on to star in several popular television shows, such as All My Children, One Life to Live, Another World, Law & Order, and The Cosby Mysteries, after the cancellation of the soap opera Ryan’s Hope. Helen’s most well-known roles on the big screen were in Christopher Walken’s James Ivory’s Roseland (1977) and Kirk Douglas’ Strangers When We Meet (1960). Helen met her future husband, Frank Wise, a stagehand on the set of the film The Pajama Game. They eventually got married and divorced.

In addition to performing, Helen motivated young people and imparted her knowledge to the upcoming generation of artists. As per the Washington Post obituary, Helen served as the executive and artistic director of the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York, where she instructed a workshop called “Singing for the Musical Theater.”