About Helen Slater
Helen Slater
Full Name: Helen Rachel Slater
Date of Birth: December 15, 1963
Place of Birth: Massapequa, Long Island, New York, USA
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Description and Heritage
Helen Slater is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and producer. Known for her ethereal beauty, blonde hair, and captivating blue eyes, Helen is of Jewish descent, with her parents both being of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. She is widely recognized for her iconic role in the 1984 superhero film Supergirl, which launched her into stardom and solidified her status as a pop culture figure in the 1980s.
Early Life
Helen was born and raised in Massapequa, New York. Her father, Gerald Slater, was a television executive, and her mother, Alice Joan (née Citrin), was a lawyer and later an executive in family mediation. Helen has a brother named David, who is a lawyer.
She attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in New York City, graduating in 1982. During her time there, she honed her acting and performing skills, laying the foundation for her future career.
Career
Acting
Helen Slater began her acting career with a bang when she was cast in the lead role of Supergirl (1984). Although the movie received mixed reviews, Helen's performance was praised, and she became a beloved figure among superhero fans. Her portrayal of Kara Zor-El/Supergirl remains iconic, making her a trailblazer as one of the first actresses to lead a major superhero film.
She continued her acting career with roles in popular 1980s films, including:
The Legend of Billie Jean (1985), where she played a rebellious teenager fighting for justice.
Ruthless People (1986), a comedy where she showcased her range as an actress.
Secret of My Success (1987), opposite Michael J. Fox.
City Slickers (1991), a comedy-drama about middle-aged men rediscovering themselves.
Helen also made notable appearances in television, including recurring roles in shows like Smallville (where she played Lara-El, Superman's mother) and Supergirl (2015-2021), where she portrayed Eliza Danvers, the adoptive mother of Kara Zor-El, a nod to her original Supergirl role.
Music
In addition to acting, Helen is a talented singer-songwriter. She has released several albums of original music, including:
One of These Days (2003)
Crossword (2005)
Shine (2010)
Her music blends elements of folk and pop, showcasing her soulful voice and lyrical songwriting abilities.
Modeling
While primarily known as an actress, Helen has done some modeling for promotional materials and magazine covers, particularly during the height of her career in the 1980s. However, she has never posed nude or appeared in explicit content.
Personal Life
Helen Slater has been married to actor and director Robert Watzke since 1989. The couple has one child, a daughter named Hannah Nika Watzke, who was born in 1995.
Despite her fame, Helen has maintained a low-key personal life, focusing on her family and creative pursuits.
Current Activities
Helen Slater remains active in the entertainment industry. She continues to act in television and films, often in guest or supporting roles. Her most recent prominent role was in the Supergirl TV series, where she reprised a maternal figure for a new generation of fans. She also performs music occasionally and engages with her fans through her social media accounts.
Social Media Accounts
Instagram: @helenrslater
Legacy
Helen Slater is remembered as a multi-talented performer who made a significant impact on both the film and music industries. Her work in Supergirl and other 1980s classics has made her a beloved figure in pop culture, while her music continues to resonate with fans who appreciate her artistry and authenticity.
