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Helen
in "For Pete's Sake"
One of the most noted of actresses ever to appear on screen with
Barbra Streisand was the legendary Estelle Parsons. In 1974,
Parsons was cast as the villainous sister in-law of Barbra's
Henrietta in the comedy, For Pete's Sake.
Estelle
Parsons began her career in the '50s as an on-air personality
during the early days of "The Today Show." Since then, her
career skyrocketed with appearances in countless films over the
years. She won an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for her role
as Blanche Barrow in the film Bonnie and Clyde, and
captured another nomination the following year for Rachel,
Rachel. She has been a regular on several popular television
sitcoms. A recurring role on Roseanne was one of
her more recent.
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One of the many
highlights in the career of Estelle Parsons was her portrayal of
the caustic schoolmarm in the 1982 Broadway production of
Miss Margarida's Way. Though the role came late in her
career, it was considered a breakout theatrical performance and
won rave reviews up and down Broadway.
Parsons announced her retirement from stage performances with
the conclusion of the 2002 Broadway run of Mornings at Seven.
But like Barbra Streisand, retirement for Parsons didn't
last too long.
Estelle is currently performing in 2008's Tony award winning
Best Play, "August Osage County" (right). She will exit the Broadway
company in July, 2009 to begin performances with the show's
national touring company.
Estelle Parsons also serves as an Artistic
Director of The Actors Studio. In 2005, she was inducted into
the Broadway Theatre Hall of Fame. |
(photo: Joan Marcus) |
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