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.
Acted in 111
2010s
- 2014
Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces
Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont)
- 2011
Blue Velvet: The Lost Footage
Aunt Barbara
- 2010
Bare Knuckles
Rosie Mcintyre
2000s
- 2009
Repo Chick
Granma De La Chasse
- 2006
Ring Around the Rosie
Nanna
- 2005
Annie's Point
Older Woman
- 2004
In the Land of Milk and Money
Grandma Shallot
- 2003
The Movie Hero
Wise Old Woman
- 2002
- 2001
Bob Patterson
Laurie Evans · 1 episode
- 2000
The Operator
Mrs. Sloan
1990s
- 1999
- 1998
Style & Substance
Elizabeth Hadley · 1 episode
- 1997
Sparkler
Raspy
Changing Habits
Midge
- 1996
Never Too Late
Elisabeth Kronner
Rossini's Ghost
Rosalie
- 1995
- 1994
The Paperboy
Mrs. Rosemont
- 1993
The Neighbor
Aunt Sylvia
- 1992
Inside Monkey Zetterland
Grandma
Grave Secrets: The Legacy of Hilltop Drive
Iva Ruth McKinney
- 1991
Pacific Station
Celia Linder · 1 episode
- 1990
Amazing Stories: The Movie II
Mrs. Santa Claus
1980s
- 1989
Class Cruise
Grandma
- 1988
- 1987
The Oldest Rookie
TV
Medium Rare
Gertrude
- 1986
Sidekicks
TV
- 1985
Amos
Lydia
Movers & Shakers
Betty Gritz
- 1984
E/R
TV
- 1983
Little Red Riding Hood
Granny
A Rose for Emily
Miss Wyatt
Wings
Mrs. Timmins
- 1982
- 1981
Honky Tonk Freeway
Mrs. Lewenowski
Buddy Buddy
Female Patient
A Whale for the Killing
Movie
Callie & Son
Mabel Simpson
- 1980
The Attic
Librarian
1970s
- 1979
Topper
Mrs. Quincy
- 1978
- 1974
