Aneta Corsaut

Aneta Louise Corsaut (November 3, 1933 – November 6, 1995) was an American actress and writer. She is best known for playing Helen Crump on The Andy Griffith Show (1963–1968), Judge Cynthia Justin on Matlock (1991–1992), and Jane in The Blob.

Early life Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Corsaut was the daughter of Jesse Harrison and Opal J. (née Swarens) Corsaut. She majored in drama at Northwestern University and studied acting with Lee Strasberg. During her junior year, Corsaut dropped out to pursue a career in acting, although during the run of The Andy Griffith Show, Corsaut took courses at UCLA with plans to earn her degree.

Career She began acting in New York City in the mid-1950s. In 1958, Corsaut and Steve McQueen made their film debuts in the independent cult horror film The Blob. On television, in 1961–1962, she portrayed Irma Howell on the CBS sitcom Mrs. G. Goes to College. In addition, Corsaut played the role of nurse Jessie Brewer in 1977 on the long-running ABC soap opera General Hospital when long-time portrayer Emily McLaughlin was too ill to work.

She returned to the role of Helen Crump in the reunion shows Return to Mayberry in 1986 and The Andy Griffith Show Reunion in 1993.

Personal life Corsaut neither married nor had children.

According to the 2015 book Andy & Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show, Corsaut and the married Andy Griffith were in a relationship throughout their five years together on The Andy Griffith Show. The affair was an open secret among the cast and crew.

Death On November 6, 1995, Corsaut died of cancer in Los Angeles, California, three days after her 62nd birthday.

Filmography Film

Television