Helen Cohan American dancer, actress Date of Birth: 13.09.1910 Country: USA

1. Biography of Helen Cohen
2. Education and Early Career
3. Film Career
4. Recognition and Later Life
5. Passing

Biography of Helen Cohen

Helen Cohen was an American dancer and actress born on September 13, 1910, in New York City. Her father, George Michael Cohan, was a prominent actor, singer, dancer, director, producer, and playwright. Helen had two older sisters, Georgette Cohan and Mary Cohan, as well as a younger brother, George M Cohan Jr. It was no surprise that all the children, except Georgette, chose careers related to the arts.

Education and Early Career

After finishing school, Helen attended Marymount College, a women's college, and completed her education in France. At the age of 17, in 1928, she made her debut as a dancer on the stage of the Heckscher Theatre in New York, in a production for choreographic school students under the guidance of producer Ned Wayburn. She later appeared in the musical "The Merry Malones" at Erlanger's Theatre, where she danced with her father.

Film Career

Helen spent five months in Hollywood, hoping to break into the film industry before signing a contract with Fox Film in 1930. However, she was unable to establish herself as an actress, with only three film credits to her name. She played Milly Jones in the comedy "Lightnin'" in 1930, Margie Shannon in the crime drama "The Penal Code" in 1932, and a radio hostess in the romantic comedy "Kiss and Make-Up" alongside Cary Grant in 1934.

Recognition and Later Life

In March 1934, Helen was listed among the 33 young actresses competing for the title of "WAMPAS Baby Star," which recognized promising newcomers in the film industry. Although she made it to the final list, she did not achieve stardom. In a newspaper publication from 1936, Helen offered a piece of advice for women to let their skin breathe by removing all cosmetics when at home and allowing it to rest regularly, much like morning exercises.

In August 1931, Helen received a generous inheritance of $5,000 from Edward Wallace Dunn, who had been her father's personal representative for the past 25 years. She was living in the Hotel Savoy Plaza in New York at the time. In 1942, her father passed away, and according to his will, his estate was divided equally among his widow and four children.

Passing

Helen Cohen passed away on September 14, 1996, the day after her 86th birthday, in Los Angeles, California.