Veteran Actress Helen Martin Dies Of Heart Attack At 90 In California

Jet, April 17, 2000

Helen Martin, known for her role as the neighbor Pearl in the television series "227," recently died of a heart attack in Monterey, CA. She was 90.

Martin was an original member of Harlem's American Negro Theater. She also was one of the first Black actresses to appear on Broadway when she was cast by Orson Welles in his production of Native Son.

Raised in Nashville, Martin originally made a name for herself while on Broadway, starring in such productions as Deep Are the Roots, The Long Dream and Amen Corner.

In 1973, she was cast in the television comedy "That's My Momma." She appeared in continuing roles on five television series, including "Good Times," "227" and "Baby, I'm Back."

Working primarily as a stage actress early in her career, Martin won fame for her feisty grandmother characters in films like I Got the Hook Up, Don't Be A Menace ..., Beverly Hills Cop III and Hollywood Shuffle.

Martin also appeared in films such as Bulworth, I'm Bout It, Doc Hollywood, House Party 2, Rage in Harlem and Night Angel.

She had just completed the movie Something To Sing About, scheduled for release this spring.