Helen Gallagher, 1926 – 2024

Actress and dancer Helen Gallagher, 98, died on Nov. 24. The razor-thin, dark-haired Gallagher made her Broadway debut in 1944’s Seven Lively Arts, and went on to dance and/or act in such shows as High Button Shoes, Pal Joey (a Tony Award), Hazel Flagg, Guys and Dolls, Brigadoon, Sweet Charity (replacing Gwen Verdon), the 1970s revival of No No Nanette (another Tony), and Sugar Babies. Her film and TV career was more sporadic, but she did costar in Ryan’s Hope from 1975-89. “I find acting quite painful,” Gallagher said. “I don't really want to strip away my innermost feelings. I don't want to be pained on stage—I want to have a good time.”