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.
Comments
Post a Comment