Helen Dunbar

Helen Dunbar (born Katheryn Burke Lackey; October 10, 1863 – August 28, 1933) was an American theatrical performer and silent film actress.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dunbar first appeared with the Weber & Fields Stock Company, when it began its career on the New York stage. In 1899 she appeared in Whirl-i-gig and The Other Way at the Weber and Fields' Broadway Music Hall. She also worked with the Charles Dillingham Company and the Boston Opera Company. She appeared in motion pictures beginning in 1912 and continued until 1926. Her stage and screen career extended over thirty-five years.

Dunbar's film career started with Out of the Depths (1912). The production starred Francis X. Bushman. She became a leading lady for the old Essanay Studios. For a number of years she was under contract to Famous Players–Lasky. Aside from Bushman, Dunbar made films with stars like Harry Cashman, Richard Carroll, Ruth Stonehouse, Beverly Bayne, Frank Keenan, John Gilbert, Mary Astor, Phyllis Haver, Norma Talmadge, and Noah Beery. Her final movie was Stranded in Paris (1926), which featured Bebe Daniels and Tom Ricketts.

Dunbar died of complications of arthritis in 1933 at the home of her daughter, 1203 Poinsettia Place, Los Angeles, California. Her funeral was conducted from Pierce Brothers' Mortuary with interment at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.[citation needed ]