Helen Ryan
ActingAbout Helen Ryan
Helen Ryan (born June 16, 1938, in Liverpool, Lancashire) is a British actress, who is notable for playing several royal roles. The Liverpool native played Princess and then Queen Alexandra in the British television series Edward the Seventh, for which she received a BAFTA nomination in 1975. She also played Princess Alexandra in the 1980 movie The Elephant Man and the Sherlock Holmes story "The Mazarin Stone". She played another royal, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, in the 2002 television drama Bertie and Elizabeth. Her other credits include Madame Balzac in the TV series Prometheus: The Life of Balzac (1975), Mrs. McFarlane in the Sherlock Holmes story "The Norwood Builder", and films such as Clash of Loyalties (1983), Misunderstood (1984) and The Hawk (1993). More recently, Ryan has appeared as Peggy Roath, a personal aide to Queen Elizabeth II, in the fifth season of The Crown in 2022. In 2023, she appeared in the BBC soap opera Doctors as Thelma Scott. She was formerly married to the theatre director Guy Slater, with whom she had a daughter, Rebecca, and a son, Daniel.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Helen Ryan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 14 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Helen Ryan's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 21% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Helen Ryan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Elephant Man, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Helen Ryan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Helen Ryan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Helen Ryan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Old Guy | Tory Dolinski | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | The Raisin | Woman at Door | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Saddam Goes to Hollywood | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Confetti | Naturist Violinist | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Brides in the Bath | Mrs. Farraday | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Bertie and Elizabeth | Queen Wilhelmina | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Hawk | Mrs Crowther | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Crystalstone | Aunt | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Christmas Tree | Mother | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | Misunderstood | Lucy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Clash of Loyalties | Gertrude Bell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Elephant Man | Princess Alex | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Jenny Can't Work Any Faster | Maureen | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Lift | Margot | Flop | Similar → |
Helen Ryan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Helen Ryan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Helen Ryan is "The Elephant Man" with a rating of 8.1/10.
How many movies has Helen Ryan acted in?
Helen Ryan has been featured in at least 14 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Helen Ryan?
Other notable films include "Saddam Goes to Hollywood", "Misunderstood", and "Crystalstone".