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.
Acting
Movie
The Karate Kid
as Lady with Dog
1984
Movie
Blue Velvet
as Aunt Barbara
1986
TV
The X-Files
as Dorothy
1993
Movie
Happy Gilmore
as Grandma
1996
TV
Twin Peaks
as Mrs. Tremond
1990
Movie
Twins
as Mother Superior
1988
TV
Charmed
as Old Phoebe
1998
TV
Seinfeld
as Mabel Choate
1989
Movie
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
as Mrs. Tremond (Chalfont)
1992
Movie
Wild at Heart
as Madam
1990
Movie
In the Mouth of Madness
as Mrs. Pickman
1995
Movie
The Karate Kid Part III
as Mrs. Milo
1989
Movie
The Wedding Planner
as Dottie
2001
Movie
Arachnophobia
as Evelyn Metcalf
1990
Movie
Inspector Gadget
as Thelma
1999
TV
ALF
as Louise Beaumont
1986
TV
Tales from the Crypt
as Witch
1989
Movie
Happy Gilmore 2
as Grandma (archive footage)
2025
TV
ER
as Georgia
1994
TV
Quantum Leap
as Millie Reynolds
1989
TV
The Middle
as Aunt Ginny
2009
TV
Hannah Montana
as Cathy
2006
Movie
Single White Female
as Elderly Neighbor
1992
TV
Cheers
as Mrs. Brubaker
1982