
Also Known As: Frances Evelyn Bay , Frances Evelyn Goffman
📍Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
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.

Inspector Gadget
as Thelma

Blue Velvet
as Aunt Barbara

Ring Around the Rosie
as Nanna

The Wedding Planner
as Dottie

In the Mouth of Madness
as Mrs. Pickman

Finder's Fee
as Mrs. Darmsetter

Big Top Pee-wee
as Mrs. Haynes

Amos
as Lydia

Twins
as Mother Superior

Happy Gilmore
as Grandma

Nomads
as Bertril

Stranger Than Fiction
as Mrs. Steiner
Born
January 23, 1919
Place of Birth
Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
Department
Acting
Popularity
1.5
Also Known As
118
Acting Roles
0
Crew Roles
64
Movies
54
TV Shows