
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.

Cheers
TV • 1982

The X-Files
TV • 1993

Seinfeld
TV • 1989

Charmed
TV • 1998

ER
TV • 1994

Murder, She Wrote
TV • 1984

Twin Peaks
TV • 1990

The Middle
TV • 2009

L.A. Law
TV • 1986

Quantum Leap
TV • 1989

Hunter
TV • 1984

Hunter
TV • 1984

St. Elsewhere
TV • 1982

Family Ties
TV • 1982

Hill Street Blues
TV • 1981

Matlock
TV • 1986

Matlock
TV • 1986

Cagney & Lacey
TV • 1982