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Helen Slayton-Hughes (1930–2022), Ethel Beavers on “Parks and Recreation”

by Linnea Crowther

Helen Slayton-Hughes was an actress best known for playing court stenographer Ethel Beavers on the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation.”

Acting career

Slayton-Hughes had a few small roles in the 1980s and worked on stage for many years, but it was in the 2000s that her acting career in TV and movies took off. Her highest-profile role was in “Parks and Recreation,” and her character, Ethel Beavers, was a fan favorite who worked on the dreaded fourth floor of Pawnee, Indiana’s City Hall. Slayton-Hughes had a regular role on the dating show spoof “Burning Love” and recurring roles on “That’s So Raven,” “True Blood,” and “New Girl.” Her other TV appearances included “The West Wing,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Slayton-Hughes also appeared in movies such as “Veronica Mars” and “Moxie.” Her most recent credit was in the 2022 Netflix comedy horror film, “The Curse of Bridge Hollow.”

Tributes to Helen Slayton-Hughes

SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF HELEN SLAYTON-HUGHES, ACTRESS, SONGWRITER, PLAYWRIGHT, FRIEND….AND MY ONE-TIME…

Posted by Dean Haglin on Friday, December 9, 2022

So sad to hear about the passing of Helen Slayton-Hughes. You may not recognize the name, but if you’ve watched TV in…

Posted by Logan Polk on Thursday, December 8, 2022

Full obituary: TV Insider

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