After 40 long years working in film and television, beloved actress Helen Slayton-Hughes has passed away. She was 92 years old at the time of her death.
As the news continues to spread throughout the entertainment world, a number of tributes have begun to pour in. Arguably, none more touching than that from Helen's former Parks and Rec co-star, Aubrey Plaza.
Helen's death was confirmed by members of her family via a Facebook post on December 8th at 4:15 PM. "To the friends and fans of our beloved Helen," the message began, "Helen passed away last night. Her pain has ended but her fierce spirit lives on."
Over the course of her illustrious 40-year-long career, Helen made several recurring cameo appearances in some of TV's most beloved comedies, including The Drew Carey Show, New Girl, and most famously Parks and Recreation for portraying court stenographer, Ethel Beavers.
A post made on the official Instagram account for Parks and Recreation read, "Rest in peace, Helen Slayton-Hughes. Ethel Beavers will forever be in our hearts." But perhaps the most touching tribute of all came courtesy of Helen's friend and former co-star, Aubrey Plaza.
"It was always Ethel Beavers," Aubrey wrote via Instagram. "Always. Rest in Peace Helen. You were so loved and admired and I wanna be you when I grow up."
Known for her crotchety behavior and for possessing a libido of a woman more than half her age, Helen (aka Ethel Beavers) was always able to manufacture a good laugh. Her character was a mainstay at Pawnee City Hall and performed a variety of civic duties — everything from court stenographer to an official notary, and beyond.
Helen had a deep love and appreciation for community theater and appeared in more than 200 plays during her 40-year career. "I love doing drama but I'm always hired to do comedy," a quote of Helen's reads at the beginning of her Facebook tribute video.
As if she was able to sense that she was on borrowed time, one of the last quotes attributed to Helen reads, "The universe is getting ready for a big project: preparing for my departure."
