Helen Slayton-Hughes dead at 92 – ‘Parks and Recreation’ star known for Ethel Beavers role dies, her family confirms
LEGENDARY actress Helen Slayton-Hughes has died at the age of 92, her family confirmed today.
The beloved Parks and Recreation star was best known for playing Ethel Beavers on the hit US sitcom.
Announcing the news of her passing on Facebook today, her family wrote: “Helen passed away last night.
“Her pain has ended but her fierce spirit lives on.
“Thank you for the love and support of her and her work.”
A video montage posted to Slayton-Hughes’ account went onto thank the beloved actress for her “love and laughter” and for “living her dream until the end.”
The touching clip read: “You inspired us all by living your dream until the end.
“Rest now, our sweet Helen. We know the laughter will continue wherever you are.”
Born in 1930, Slayton-Hughes earned her first Hollywood credit at age 50, starring the 1980 film Mafia on the Bounty.
She went on to appear in movies including Shoot the Moon, Good Night, and Good Luck and a number of hit TV series.
These included New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Arrested Development, True Blood, That’s So Raven and Parenthood.
Most famously, she played Ethel Beavers alongside co-star Leslie Knope on Parks and Rec’ – the often cranky, deadpan court stenographer.
Tributes have since poured in for the star, with many mourning the loss of character Ethel Beavers as much as the actress herself.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “We lost a legend yesterday. Hold your Francis Scott Key Keys aloft in honor of Helen Slayton-Hughes.
“She was 92 and will forever live in our hearts!”
Another said: “She was such a scene stealer. RIP.”
Sharing a picture of Ethel Beavers, someone else added: “She was so great.”