Remembering Frances Sternhagen: A Legendary Tony Award Winner and Beloved TV Maternal Figure Passes Away at 93

Frances Sternhagen, the accomplished character actor celebrated for her two Tony Awards and beloved roles on iconic TV shows such as "Cheers," "ER," "Sex and the City," and "The Closer," peacefully passed away at the age of 93 in her Washington, D.C. home. The news was shared by her son, John Carlin, in a heartfelt Instagram statement on Wednesday, bidding farewell to a life lived richly, passionately, humbly, and generously.

 

Sternhagen's illustrious career in theater earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 1974 for her outstanding performance in Neil Simon’s "The Good Doctor." A second Tony came her way in 1995 for a revival of "The Heiress," showcasing the depth and versatility that marked her theatrical journey. Her final bow on Broadway was in 2005 with "Seascape."

 

Nominated for Tonys on four additional occasions, Sternhagen's theatrical repertoire included notable works like "The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window," "Equus," "Angel," and "Morning’s at Seven." In 2013, she graced off-Broadway as Edie Falco’s mother in "The Madrid."

 

On the small screen, Sternhagen left an indelible mark, portraying the affluent grandmother of Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle) in the enduring series "ER." Meanwhile, her role as the all-knowing mother of postman Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) on "Cheers" earned her two Emmy nominations.

 

In more recent years, Sternhagen captivated audiences with her recurring role as Bunny MacDougal, the strong-willed mother-in-law of Charlotte (Kristin Davis) in "Sex and the City," securing her third Emmy nomination. Additionally, she portrayed Kyra Sedgwick’s mother in "The Closer," showcasing her enduring talent across various television genres.

 

Stepping back into the past, fans of 1960s soap operas remember Sternhagen's compelling portrayal of Toni Prentiss Davis in "Love of Life." Her character, armed with a gun and battling madness, left a lasting impression.

 

Reflecting on her diverse career in a 2002 interview with the Daily Breeze of Torrance, California, Sternhagen expressed gratitude, stating, “I have been very fortunate. And I think a lot of that is because I’m considered a character actor — which really means you can do a variety of things. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do leading parts, because I have. But you’re not limited to playing yourself.”

 

As we bid farewell to Frances Sternhagen, we celebrate the legacy of a remarkable talent whose contributions to theater and television will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.