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.

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Filmography

View The X-Files
The X-Files

The X-Files

1993Series
8.4
View Seinfeld
Seinfeld

Seinfeld

1989Series
8.3
View Charmed
Charmed

Charmed

1998Series
8.2
View ER
ER

ER

1994Series
7.8
View Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks

1990Series
8.3
View Cheers
Cheers

Cheers

1982Series
7.6
View Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote

Murder, She Wrote

1984Series
7.5
View The Middle
The Middle

The Middle

2009Series
7.6
View St. Elsewhere
St. Elsewhere

St. Elsewhere

1982Series
5.6
View Quantum Leap
Quantum Leap

Quantum Leap

1989Series
8.0
View Family Ties
Family Ties

Family Ties

1982Series
7.2
View Hunter
Hunter

Hunter

1984Series
7.1