Broadway & Film Veteran Eileen Brennan Passes Away at 80

Broadway and film veteran Eileen Brennan has died at the age of 80, her publicist confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter today. The actress passed away in her Burbank home on Sunday, July 28, after a battle with bladder cancer.

Perhaps best known for her role as the affable Texas waitress in Peter Bogdanovich's THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, the brazen Brennan also made a name for herself as 'Doreen Lewis' opposite Goldie Hawn in PRIVATE BENJAMIN, for which she received an Oscar nomination for 'Best Supporting Actress.'

Brennan later reprised her role in the TV adaptation in 1981-83, winning a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy for her acclaimed performance. Not stopping there, the beloved comedic star also received Emmy nominations for her guest appearances throughout the years on NEWHART, THIRYSOMETHING, TAXI, and WILL & GRACE.

No stranger to the stage, Brennan originated the role of Irene Molloy in Broadway's HELLO, DOLLY! in 1964, as well as 'Merry May Glockenspiel' in THE STUDENT GYPSY. Prior to making her debut on the Great White Way, Brennan took Off-Broadway by storm, leading GYPSY's prequel LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, as well as the first revival of THE KING & I at City Center in 1963.

The actress has also been featured in such films as THE STING, DAISY MILLER, THE CHEAP DETECTIVE, CLUE, MURDER BY DEATH, and many more.

In her memory, BroadwayWorld presents her fine rendition of 'La Vie en Rose' in Neil Simon's THE CHEAP DETECTIVE:

Photo Courtesy of Rex USA/The Everett Collection