Ryan’s Hope Legend, Helen Gallagher, Passed Away At 98

Some sad news in entertainment. Actress Helen Gallagher, a two-time Daytime Emmy winner, passed away on Sunday, November 24 at the age of 98.

Gallagher is best known for her role as Ryan Hope’s matriarch, Maeve Ryan. The legendary performer was with the daytime drama throughout the show’s tenure from 1975 to 1989.

Helen Gallagher’s Legacy In The Industry

A Brooklyn native, Gallagher worked within the theatre on the New York stages, which spanned close to 70 years from 1944 to 2000. Her big break came in 1947, when she entered the role of ‘Nancy’ in the musical, High Button Shoes.

Gallagher was a constant figure on Broadway over the years, winning two Tonys for her performances in No, No, Nanette (1971) and Pal Joey (1952), and also scoring a Tony nomination for Sweet Charity in 1966.

Helen Gallagher’s Impact On Daytime Drama

Still, Helen may most fondly be remembered for the legendary role she played as Maeve Ryan on Ryan’s Hope. She won a total of two Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category for her time on the soap, once in 1976 and once in 1988. All in all, Gallagher was nominated a total of five times for her time on Ryan’s Hope.

Sadly, Ryan’s Hope was canceled in 1989; however, as a mainstay on the show throughout its entire run, the daytime drama ended with Maeve/Helen singing, “Danny Boy”, a tradition the character had pulled off for every St. Patrick’s Day on the series.

After Ryan’s Hope came to a close, Helen had other daytime drama roles on Another World, All My Children, and One Life to Life. In addition, she also had guest appearances on prime-time shows like The Cosby Mysteries, as well as Law & Order.

On behalf of everyone here, we extend our condolences to Helen’s family, loved ones, colleagues, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Continue to visit CTS for the most up-to-date information and news in the land of soap operas and entertainment.