Alice Playten Passes Away at 63

Actress Alice Playten, whose career spanned nearly five decades in some of Broadway and television's most recognizable productions, passed away this morning from heart failure at Sloan Kettering Hospital. She was 63 years old.

Playten made her Broadway debut in the original production of Gypsy as Baby Louise. She went on to star in Hello, Dolly!, Seussical, and Caroline or Change, to name a few. She was also a regular on the children's television series The Lost Saucer and That's Cat, and had a recurring spot on Frasier, Law & Order, Third Watch, and As the World Turns, among others.

Playten's award recognition includes a 1968 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Henry, Sweet Henry), a 1968 Theatre World Award (Henry, Sweet Henry), a 1973 Obie Award for Distinguished Performance (National Lampoon's Lemmings), a 1989 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Spoils of War), and a 1994 Obie Award (First Lady Suite).