Frances Bay
ActingAbout Frances Bay
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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frances Bay reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Frances Bay'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 32% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frances Bay remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in In the Land of Milk and Money, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Frances Bay Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Frances Bay's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frances Bay.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces | Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Blue Velvet: The Lost Footage | Aunt Barbara | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Edmond | Fortune Teller | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Ring Around the Rosie | Nanna | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Annie's Point | Older Woman | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | In the Land of Milk and Money | Grandma Shallot | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Movie Hero | Wise Old Woman | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Kiss The Bride | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Finder's Fee | Mrs. Darmsetter | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Wedding Planner | Dottie | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Stranger Than Fiction | Mrs. Steiner | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Inspector Gadget | Thelma | Flop | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn | Mrs. Lewis | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Goodbye Lover | Old Woman | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Forever Love | Martha Craddock | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Krippendorf's Tribe | Edith Proxmire | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Happy Gilmore | Grandma | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | In the Mouth of Madness | Mrs. Pickman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Paperboy | Mrs. Rosemont | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Neighbor | Aunt Sylvia | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Single White Female | Elderly Neighbor | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me | Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Grave Secrets: The Legacy of Hilltop Drive | Iva Ruth McKinney | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Critters 3 | Mrs. Menges | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Pit and the Pendulum | Esmeralda | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Wild at Heart | Madam | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Grifters | Arizona Motel Clerk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Arachnophobia | Evelyn Metcalf | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Karate Kid Part III | Mrs. Milo | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Twins | Mother Superior | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Big Top Pee-wee | Mrs. Haynes | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | Medium Rare | Gertrude | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Blue Velvet | Aunt Barbara | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Nomads | Bertril | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Amos | Lydia | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Karate Kid | Lady with Dog | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Second Sight: A Love Story | Old Woman | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Little Red Riding Hood | Granny | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | A Rose for Emily | Miss Wyatt | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Private School | Birdie Fallmouth | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Double Exposure | Old Woman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Callie & Son | Mabel Simpson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Honky Tonk Freeway | Mrs. Lewenowski | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Buddy Buddy | Female Patient | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Amy | Mrs. Lindey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | A Whale for the Killing | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Attic | Librarian | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Topper | Mrs. Quincy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Chilly Scenes of Winter | Mrs. Delillo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Foul Play | Mrs. Russel | Average | Similar → |
Frances Bay - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Frances Bay?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frances Bay is "In the Land of Milk and Money" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Frances Bay acted in?
Frances Bay has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Frances Bay?
Other notable films include "Blue Velvet", "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me", and "In the Mouth of Madness".