
Frances Bay
- Date of Birth: 1919-01-23
- Date of Death: 2011-09-15
- Place of Birth: Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
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 c... 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.

ER
Drama • 1994 September

ALF
Family, Comedy, Drama • 1986 September

Happy Days
Comedy • 1974 January

Happy Days
Comedy • 1974 January

Blue Velvet
Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama • 1986 September

Hill Street Blues
Drama, Crime • 1981 January

The Middle
Comedy • 2009 September

Cheers
Comedy • 1982 September

Murder, She Wrote
Mystery, Crime, Drama • 1984 September

The Golden Girls
Comedy • 1985 September