Frances Bay
1919-2011
Known for Happy Gilmore, Blue Velvet, In the Mouth of Madness.
Biography
Frances Evelyn Bay (née Goffman; January 23, 1919 – September 15, 2011) was a Canadian-American character actress known for playing a variety of quirky elderly women on film and television. In a career that spanned 35 years, she acted in a variety of roles both in film and television. After initial success in radio and stage plays, she became "The Girlfriend to the Canadian Forces" on CBC Radio during World War II, boosting troops' spirits. Marriage and a move to the U.S. led to a hiatus, during which she studied acting with Uta Hagen in New York. Returning to acting at 60, Bay featured in Foul Play and gained recognition in various TV shows like Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and films such as The Wedding Planner and Twins. Her versatile career spanned over 50 films and numerous TV series, earning her awards and nominations. Notably, she appeared in the final episodes of sitcoms Seinfeld, Who’s the Boss?, and Happy Days. Bay was inducted in Canada's Walk of Fame in 2008.
Movie Credits
Edmond (2006)
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Nomads (1986)
The Attic (1980)
Annie's Point (2005)
The Neighbor (1993)
Amy (1981)
Critters 3 (1991)
The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn (1999)
In the Mouth of Madness (1995)
Blue Velvet (1986)
Sparkler (1997)
Kiss The Bride (2002)
Inspector Gadget (1999)
Double Exposure (1982)
Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979)
The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Big Top Pee-wee (1988)
The Wedding Planner (2001)
Private School (1983)
Repo Chick (2009)
Bare Knuckles (2010)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
Wild at Heart (1990)
Goodbye Lover (1999)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Twins (1988)
The Grifters (1990)
