Farewell to an Icon: Mary Hartman Star Louise Lasser Passes Away
Actress Louise Lasser, best known for her iconic role in <i>Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman</i>, has died at 87. Her six-decade career spanned acclaimed television, film, and Broadway productions, including collaborations with Woody Allen and an Emmy nomination.
Louise Lasser, a celebrated actor whose career spanned over six decades on both stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 87. Lasser was perhaps most widely recognized for her starring role in the satirical soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. The news of her death was confirmed by her co-star from the show, Claudia Lamb, who stated she received the information from Lasser's partner. Additionally, The New York Times independently verified the news through Lasser's friend, Susan Charlotte.
From January 1976 to July 1977, Louise Lasser captivated audiences in 325 episodes of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. This distinctive satirical soap opera aired five nights a week during its initial two seasons, earning Lasser an Emmy Award nomination for her compelling performance. Her portrayal in the titular role cemented her status in television history.
Beyond her iconic role, Lasser's extensive filmography includes appearances in several early films directed by her ex-husband, Woody Allen, such as Take The Money And Run and Bananas. Her television work also featured guest roles on beloved series including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, It’s A Living, and a later appearance in Girls, showcasing her versatility across different eras of television.
Born in New York City in 1939, Louise Lasser began her acting journey in the early 1960s within the vibrant theater scene of Greenwich Village. Her Broadway debut came in 1962 with the musical production of I Can Get It For You Wholesale. This show is particularly notable as the Broadway debut of Barbra Streisand, where Lasser served as Streisand’s understudy for the role of Miss Marmelstein before eventually taking over the part. Lasser's second and final appearance in a Broadway musical was in 1967 with Henry, Sweet Henry, marking a significant early chapter in her long and distinguished career.