Ryan’s Hope Alum Helen Gallagher Died At 98

Ryan’s Hope alum, Helen Gallagher, died on November 24. The award-winning actress was 98 years old.

A Storied Soap Opera Career

Playbill reported that Gallagher, who portrayed Maeve Ryan on the now-defunct ABC soap opera from July 1975 to January 1989 when it ended. You may remember her rendition of “Danny Boy” in the series finale. She also sang the song several times throughout the soap’s run.

For her work as Maeve, Gallagher won three Daytime Emmy Awards. A five time nominee, the actress took home the statues in 1976, 1977, and 1988. Gallagher’s other soap credits include Another World, All My Children, and One Life To Live.

Broadway Star

Throughout her career, Gallagher also appeared on Broadway’s stages 21 times. She started on Broadway as a ballerina in Seven Lively Arts and Mr. Strauss Goes to Boston. She also danced in Billion Dollar Baby and Brigadoon.

In 1947, Gallagher won the role of Nancy in High Button Shoes, marking her first principal role on Broadway. She won two Tony Awards out of three nominations, in 1952 for portraying Gladys Bumps in Pal Joey and in 1971 for portraying the original Lucille Early in No, No, Nanette. Her final performance on the stage was in 2000 as Gert in the York Theatre Company revival of 70, Girls, 70.

TV and Film

Gallagher’s other television credits include Law & Order, The Cosby Mysteries, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to name just a few. Her film credits include Strangers When We Meet, Roseland, and Neptune’s Rocking Horse.

In addition to her dancing and acting, Gallagher trained others as a Herbert Berghof Studio in Manhattan faculty member. She also taught private singing lessons out of her home.