Helen Martin

Helen Dorothy Martin (July 23, 1909 – March 25, 2000) was an American actress of stage and television. She was best known for her roles as Wanda on the CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–79) and Pearl Shay on the NBC sitcom 227 (1985–90).

Early life and education

Martin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Amanda Frankie (née Fox) and William Martin, a minister. She attended public schools, which at the time were segregated.

Career

Martin moved to New York to pursue a career in acting. She was a Broadway character actress for many decades, debuting in Orson Welles' production of Native Son in 1941. She appeared in at least a dozen Broadway shows, including Jean Genet's The Blacks, the musical Raisin from 1973 to 1975, Ossie Davis' Purlie Victorious (and later the musical version, which was called Purlie), The Amen Corner and Tennessee Williams' Period of Adjustment. She was an original member of the American Negro Theater.

Martin became widely known later in life due to her roles in popular television series, which brought her a large audience. She had a recurring role as Wanda on the television series Good Times, and later as the neighbor Pearl Shay on the television sitcom 227, which lasted from 1985 until 1990. She also played on the short sitcoms Baby, I'm Back (as mother in-law, Luzelle) and That's My Mama.

Helen Martin (disambiguation)

Helen Martin is the name of:

See also