Helen Ticknor’s Early Life and Marriage
Helen Ticknor was an actress and singer best known as the wife of American television personality Gene Rayburn. They were a notable couple in the entertainment industry, particularly during the mid-20th century. Due to her appreciation for fashion and design, she was motivated to venture into modeling as a part-time career. Helen was part of the Your Show of Shows, which was a writing team alongside Mel Brooks and Neil Simon. She was a talented writer and performer and worked behind the scenes in early television and comedy.
Details of Helen Ticknor’s Early Life
Helen Ticknor was born on May 20 1915 in Canada. After finishing school, she began working as a hat model before moving to New York City, where she met Gene Rayburn. They got married in 1940 and the couple had one daughter, Lynne Rayburn born in 1944. Lynne followed her parents’ motivation to join the entertainment industry and she ventured into acting. She made a guest appearance on The Match Game in 1966.
Helen and her family resided in Osterville, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. She was an active member of her society attending charity events and funding projects involved in innovation and mentorship. She has taken time away from the spotlight to focus on her family and was supportive of her husband’s career and achievements. She died on October 13 1996 in New York, USA due to underlying health issues.
Who is Helen Ticknor’s Husband, Gene Rayburn?
Helen Ticknor’s husband, Gene Rayburn, was officially known as Eugene Peter Jeljenic. He was born on December 22, 1917, in Christopher, Illinois. Rayburn was a prominent radio and television personality. He also served as the announcer for The Steve Allen Show and The Tonight Show. Before he began his television career, he was a disc jockey on New York City’s WNEW, co-hosting popular morning shows alongside Jack Lescoulie and Dee Finch.
Rayburn’s most memorable role was when he was working as the host of The Match Game. He held the position from 1962 until he died in 1999. The show was very popular on American television, known for its engagement, humor, and Rayburn’s charismatic personality. Gene Rayburn had a passion for needlepoint. This was a hobby he would often enjoy doing during his flights between California and Massachusetts.
He was vocal about overpopulation and supported organizations like Planned Parenthood. His concern for social issues was represented by his political views as a liberal. Rayburn was a family man and this was one of the reasons why Helen quit her career to focus more on her family and support him. In his later years, Rayburn faced health challenges, including dementia and heart issues. He passed away on November 29, 1999, at his daughter’s home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, at the age of 81. Helen had passed away before him by three years, passing away on October 13, 1996. Rayburn remains one of the most memorable game show hosts in TV history, especially for his work on Match Game.
