Helen Hayes

Helen HayesUnknown author [Public domain] via Wikimedia"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost" (Arthur Ashe). A hero in the modern world is someone who puts their personal needs behind them and is driven to help the greater good. They know the importance of helping others and don't expect an award. A hero knows their work is never done because there is always someone else out in the world who is less fortunate than themselves. They carry hope for a better world and continue to strive for this with their personal efforts. A hero puts the needs of others in front of themselves and thrive to help people as much as they can.

Helen Hayes exemplified the characteristics of a hero by giving up her time and money in order to help those who were less fortunate than she. Helen Hayes was an American actress, who was born on October 10 1900 in Washington D.C. to Catherine Hayes and Arnum Brown. Her mother was an unsuccessful actress and her father was a meat salesman. The award winning actress who played many roles onscreen and onstage, came from a lineage of performers. Hayes was a hard worker, because of this she succeeded throughout her career. Despite her accomplishments the actress was also known for her humanitarian ways. Helen Hayes proved herself as more than just another actress, but as a hero through achieving accomplishments despite the challenges she faced, and philanthropic and humble characteristics.

Helen HayesKy [CC BY 2.0] via WikimediaDespite struggles Helen Hayes still received numerous roles and awards as an actress through her determination. Hayes overcame unimaginable heartbreak losing both her child and her husband. "Mary became ill and died of polio. Helen said, "The very worst thing that can happen is to bury your young." Charlie took it even harder, and he became steadily more depressed...Charlie gave in to his depression and alcoholism in 1956, when he died of nephritis (kidney disease) and severe anemia." (Official) The pain caused by the loss of a family member let alone two is everlasting and forever scarring to those left behind.

When tragedy struck, Hayes chose to continue her life and her career even though she had lost a huge part of her family. Hayes won many awards and was a very highly praised actress in her time. "Hayes won an Academy Award for the film The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931), with a screenplay by MacArthur. She followed this with much-admired performances in Arrowsmith (1931) and what is often considered her best film, A Farewell to Arms, opposite Gary Cooper, in 1932. Hayes's stage portrayal of Mary Stuart in Maxwell Anderson's Mary of Scotland (1933-1934) was the prelude to what she came to value as her favorite stage role, Laurence Housman's Victoria Regina. In that play she aged from teenaged princess to elderly monarch in a memorable portrayal that captivated audiences (with some interruptions) between 1935 and 1939." (Fearnow) During the time period in which Helen Hayes lived in, women were not granted the same amount of respect as women nowadays, however Helen fought the stereotypes and still managed thrive as an actress. Her constant hard work and motivation helped her achieve goals most actor can only dream of pursuing. Although Helen Hayes faced heart wrenching and devastating obstacles, she pushed forward and continued to conquer the world of acting and pursued amazing achievements.

Helen Hayes' humble and selfless attitude, along with her charismatic habits make her a very admirable women. Because Helen came from humble beginnings she knew and embraced the importance of helping others. After her daughter died of Polio "Helen eventually found comfort in helping fight the disease. She founded the Mary MacArthur Fund to raise awareness, and Jonas Salk credited her with helping him establish funding for a vaccine." ( Website) Helen Hayes found a way to think about others even though she had so much going on in her life already. She understood how it felt to lose people due to the disease and she wanted to make sure others never endured that pain. Helen Hayes continued to contribute her time and money to those in need. "...she also devoted her time to humanitarian groups..." (Contemporary) .Hayes chose to take time out of her life and out of her busy schedule to help group all over the country. She put others before her and made sure that she was always helping in some way. Helen Hayes selflessness and charismatic ways aided those not only in her community, but all over the country, her constant drive to help others is what made her such an important and heroic woman.

Helen Hayes ability to achieve goals, while overcoming difficult barriers and her humanitarian ways prove her to be a heroic figure. Helen Hayes was given the name "The First Lady of American Theatre" When Helen lost her daughter and husband, she probably lost a part of herself as well. Instead of letting herself fall deeper into despair she continued her career and let her list of achievements grow. After her daughter died she created and organization that spread awareness towards the importance of getting vaccines that prevented polio, once again proving her compassion for others and selfless ways. Not only does Helen Hayes inspire me personally to be a better actress, but also a better person. She makes me want to be a better self. Helen Hayes achievements have taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, but also the importance of compassion for others.