If You Needed Another Reason to Love Sweet Magnolias' Helen, Here's One
Smart and talented — that's the best character description.
It's been two weeks since the release of Sweet Magnolias' third season. The Netflix drama following three girlfriends from the town of Serenity in South Carolina in their attempt to run a spa together premiered in 2020 and quickly proved popular with viewers. In fact, the service was so certain of its success that the show was renewed for a second season less than two months after its debut. Four years in, it is still up and running strong.
Perhaps Sweet Magnolias has some Sex and the City vibes, but it's far more quaint and easygoing than the HBO hit. Moreover, the series' characters are truly unique. Maddie is sympathizable. Dana Sue is zestful. And Helen is powerful and warm — if you're not in love with the woman, hopefully the following argument will change that.
Helen can sing! Convinced yet?
Portrayed by multi-talented Heather Headley, Helen Decatur has an impressive vocal range, which she showcased on several occasions in Season 2 and 3. And it's no wonder because
Headley is an accomplished singer in the first place: she did musical theater in the past and received the coveted Tony Award for her performance as Aida in the eponymous musical in 2000, as well as other awards and nominations.
A talented singer, songwriter, and producer, Heather Headley received her first Grammy nominations back in 2004 for her album This Is Who I Am and single I Wish I Wasn't in the R&B category. It took her another six years and a creative reinvention of herself to win the award again. In 2010, the star received a Grammy for her Gospel album Audience of One and a nomination for Jesus in Love, co-written by Lionel Richie.
Obviously, Headley unleashes her singing talent in Sweet Magnolias as well, adding luster and spice to Helen's amiable personality.
Besides her singing prowess, Helen is also arguably the smartest among the trio — she is a successful attorney, after all. And even though her life is a mess, it prompts the audience to love the character even more.
For many fans, Helen is one of the few reasons to continue watching Sweet Magnolias, and we're looking forward to reuniting with her in Season 4.