Helen Horton

Helen Virginia Horton was an American actress. She was born in Chicago and had a brief career in New York City. She married and lived near London. She worked extensively in British television, radio and theatre, and had three children. Horton voiced the ship's computer, "Mother", in the 1979 film Alien. Her granddaughter is the English actress Lily James.

Early life

Horton attended Northwestern University where she became lifelong friends with Patricia Neal. She was well thought of in the drama department and was cast as Viola, the lead role in Twelfth Night, with Neal cast as Olivia, in a university production of the Shakespeare play.
In September 1945, Horton and Neal took a shared apartment in New York and looked for work. They both got parts in a production of Seven Mirrors at the Blackfriars Theatre.

Career

Horton took over from Vivien Leigh as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire after the play's London run was completed and it began to tour the United Kingdom. When Neal mentioned the connection to Leigh, she remarked "No one takes over for me, dear. When I leave a play, it's over."

Filmography

Sie fanden eine Heimat – Miss Sullivan
Strange Stories – Marie
Sunday Night Theatre – Ann Wesfield / Dorothy Stafford / Kendall Frayne / Lily Miller / Estelle Quinn
The [Battle of the River Plate (film)|The Battle of the River Plate] –
Let's Be Happy – Sadie Whitelaw
The Mark of the Hawk – Barbara Craig
Never Take Sweets from a Stranger – Sylvia Kingsley
Play of the Week – Mollie / Mona / Mrs. Barker / Mrs. Storch / Sonia Chance
The Last Shot You Hear – Dodie Rubens
The Chairman – Susan Wright
The [Dick Emery Show]
Endless Night – Aunt Beth
Phase IV – Mildred Eldridge
Two's Company - Clare
Nido de viudas – Ana
Alien – Mother
Superman III – Miss Henderson
The [Benny Hill Show], 1979–1986, ITV series 6 episodes
The [Razor's Edge (1984 film)|The Razor's Edge] – Red Cross lady
Ellis Island – Miss Pringle
Reunion at Fairborough
Miss Marple – Mrs. Cabot
Bullseye! – Tourist on Coach