In 1990, Paul J. began working on a character which eventually became Sister Helen Holy.  Taking on the sensibility of Paul J’s Southern Baptist upbringing, Sister Helen also benefits from Paul J’s uncanny improvisational skills.  Frequently misconstrued as a Catholic nun, due to the “Sister” title, Helen is quick to point out that, as a member of the First Southern Fried Self-Satisfied Baptist Church, her “Babatist” faith is the only true religion anyway. For private parties, Sister Helen is often called upon to “roast” a guest of honor. Paul J. will gather information on the honoree, commit it to memory, then appear at the event to lovingly point out the honorees “sins and shortcomings” using actual facts from the person’s life. Over the years, Paul J. has performed as Sister Helen at numerous events and parties, including such luminaries as Ross Perot (roasting his sister Bette), a Supreme Court Justice, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation (using Helen’s humor as a tool to express the importance of early detection), various civic and private fundraisers (as a comedic emcee) and as a regular presence on RSVP Vacations and VACAYA Vacations. Now, Paul J. has created an entire stage show for Helen entitled “The 701 Club” (because she’s just a LITTLE bit better than you-know-who).  A mix of music, news, scripture interpretation, special guests and audience interaction, the show is a hit with audiences.  In addition, Helen is also a weekly contributor to He Said Magazine with her column of the same name “The 701 Club”, which is her “Christian” take on current events. See her current and past columns.

What Others are Saying

Helen, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your portrayal of Sister Helen Holy. When my wife and I first moved to Dallas almost 12 years ago, I was struggling to adjust. Leaving behind Chicago, my friends, and everything familiar was incredibly difficult for me, especially after several back surgeries that left me in constant pain. One day, I was fortunate enough to win two tickets from The Dallas Voice to see you perform. That night, I laughed so much and so hard that it truly opened my heart to the possibility of embracing my new life here. Your performance brought me so much joy and comfort during a challenging time, and I began to feel like maybe I could find a place for myself in Dallas after all. Since then, I’ve been a grateful fan, and your work continues to inspire me. Thank you for the light you bring to others and for helping me find happiness in a new chapter of my life. Not trying to be sappy… I just wanted to express my appreciation and let you know you are TRULY AMAZING ____________________________________________________________ Paul, I didn’t get a chance to tell you after you left the “stage” as Sister Helen Holy how very much I enjoyed every minute of your performance at our Club’s Christmas party last night. Knowing the material we provided you in advance for Helen’s “Roast” of our guests, I was amazed at how you zeroed in on minor facts about each one and put these details of their lives completely in character for Helen’s interaction with each guest. Your gentle barbs, sideways put-down, and clever comebacks never failed to draw gasping belly laughs from all, while Helen maintained her cool, Bible-based self-respect. Your “targets” seemed to have been especially honored to have earned your attention. What a skill! It was clear to me from your performance, that you know exactly who Helen is, her life story, her hopes and dreams, her black and white views of the world and especially how she has learned to simultaneously quietly put down and lift up those with whom she disagrees, even though she doesn’t seem to notice she’s doing it. Also, your in-depth knowledge of Helen extended equally to your costume, hair and make-up. In short, a complete transformation that was entirely accurate and wholly believable. BRAVO!

Sister Helen’s Videos