Helen Rachel Slater, born on December 15, 1963, is an American actress and singer-songwriter who carved a unique niche in Hollywood as the first woman to portray a major DC Comics superheroine on the big screen. She remains best known for her titular role in the 1984 film Supergirl, where she brought the iconic character of Kara Zor-El to life with a blend of innocence and strength that endeared her to a generation of fans. Though the film itself received mixed reviews, Slater's performance was widely praised, and the role established her as a memorable figure in the superhero genre long before the modern era of comic book blockbusters.

Following her debut, Slater demonstrated versatility across a range of film genres in the 1980s. She starred alongside Helen Hunt in the cult classic The Legend of Billie Jean, played a kidnapped heiress in the dark comedy Ruthless People opposite Danny DeVito and Bette Midler, and appeared as a love interest in the corporate comedy The Secret of My Success with Michael J. Fox. She later joined the ensemble cast of the beloved comedy City Slickers in 1991, further showcasing her ability to hold her own among seasoned comedic actors. Her filmography also includes roles in Chantilly Lace, Lassie, and No Way Back throughout the 1990s.

Beyond live-action, Slater built a substantial career in voice acting, most notably providing the voice of Talia al Ghul in the acclaimed animated series Batman: The Animated Series. She also lent her voice to various other animated projects, including Justice League and The New Batman Adventures. In the 2000s, she made a memorable return to the Superman mythos by portraying Lara-El, the biological mother of Superman, in the long-running television series Smallville. This role allowed her to reconnect with the legacy of her most famous character while exploring a different facet of Kryptonian lore.

Slater's deep connection to the Supergirl character came full circle in 2015 when she was cast as Eliza Danvers, the adoptive mother of Kara Danvers, in the CBS and later CW series Supergirl. This meta casting choice delighted fans, as Slater essentially played the mother figure to a new generation's incarnation of the hero she had first portrayed decades earlier. Her recurring role on the show spanned several seasons, and she was warmly received for bringing a sense of gravitas and maternal warmth to the series. In addition to her acting, Slater has pursued a career as a singer-songwriter, releasing albums that showcase her folk-influenced musical style, further demonstrating her creative range beyond the screen.