Helen Cohan

Helen Cohan (September 13, 1910 – September 14, 1996) was a talented American dancer and a brief, yet notable, figure in Hollywood cinema. Born in New York City, she was the youngest daughter of the renowned vaudeville and Broadway icon, George M. Cohan. Her educational journey took her to Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, and further studies in France.

Helen made her stage debut at the young age of 17, performing as a dancer in the 1928 Dance Recital at New York’s Heckscher Theatre, produced by Ned Wayburn. Her initial foray into theatre included a performance in The Merry Malones at Erlanger's Theatre, where she had the unique opportunity to dance alongside her father for a special performance. In 1931, she joined George M. Cohan in the production Fast Friendships, and the previous season, she was featured in the Kaufman-Lardner comedy, June Moon.

Although her stint in Hollywood was brief, Helen spent five months in Los Angeles attempting to establish a film career, resulting in a contract with Fox Film in 1930. While her filmography is limited, she appeared in several productions, including Lightnin’ (1930) alongside Will Rogers, and had roles in The Penal Code (1932) and Kiss and Make-Up (1934). Helen Cohan's legacy endures as a reflection of her father's theatrical legacy and her own contributions to the performing arts.