Helen Mary Cherry English stage, film and television actress Date of Birth: 24.11.1915 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Helen Mary Cherry
2. Early Life
3. Stage Career
4. Marriage and Personal Life
5. Later Career
6. Film and Television Career

Biography of Helen Mary Cherry

Helen Mary Cherry was an English actress of theatre, film, and television, best known for her Shakespearean roles. Her favorite role was Rosalind in the comedy 'As you like it'. She was also the long-suffering wife of actor Trevor Howard, who tormented her for many years with his drinking and infidelities. Despite her husband's worldwide fame overshadowing her own career, Helen managed to build an impressive repertoire.

Early Life

Helen Mary Cherry was born on November 24, 1915, in Thurgarton, Lancashire, in the family of John William Cherry, a superintendent, and his wife Annie. During World War I, John Cherry served as a captain in the 45th Temporary Battalion. Helen grew up with two brothers. She received her education in Harrogate, where she studied to become an advertising artist. However, her career took a different turn when she was offered a job as an actress in a repertory theatre. Despite objections from her conservative family, Helen pursued her own path. She took lessons in singing, dancing, and acting, and in the late 1930s, she began performing in Shakespearean plays such as 'Twelfth Night', 'The Taming of the Shrew', and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Stage Career

Helen made her stage debut in Rudolf Friml's operetta 'The Vagabond King' in Manchester in 1938. Her London debut came in 1940 when she participated in Herbert Farjeon's revue 'In Town Again'. She caught the attention of Robert Atkins, an actor and director of the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, and Helen appeared in many of his productions, including performances at the Westminster Theatre, the Memorial Theatre, and even in Stratford. Her portrayal of Rosalind in 'As you like it' received particularly high praise from critics.

Marriage and Personal Life

In 1943, Helen met her future husband when he became her co-star in George Farquhar's play 'The Recruiting Officer'. They got married on September 8, 1944, and remained together for 44 years until Howard's death. Despite Howard's heavy drinking and frequent affairs, it was Helen who defended him when newspapers accused his chronic alcoholism of affecting the quality of his performances.

Later Career

After World War II, Cherry continued to perform in Shakespearean comedies and Restoration comedies, but she also dedicated herself to contemporary plays. Her portrayal of Ursula in John Gielgud's production of 'Much Ado About Nothing' in 1955 received rave reviews. Her performance as Goneril in the 'Japanese' version of 'King Lear' was also met with enthusiastic approval, although overall critics did not favor the production. Cherry's last stage performance was in 1982 in the play 'Ladies in Retirement'.

Film and Television Career

Cherry played 60 roles in films and television. She made her debut on the big screen with a minor role in the film 'Kathy's Love Affair' in 1947. When her husband gained acclaim in the film industry, offers also came Cherry's way. In 1992, she played her final role in the television series 'Anglo-Saxon Attitudes' based on Angus Wilson's satirical novel and declined further acting offers.

Helen Mary Cherry passed away on September 27, 2001, at the age of 85, due to complications from several strokes.