Lynne Marie Stewart, celebrated for her roles on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, passed away at the age of 78. Her death was confirmed by a friend via Instagram on Friday, February 21.
“My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be “the most beautiful woman in Puppetland”.
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According to PEOPLE, Stewart’s rep Bette Smith said the actress died months after doctors found a tumor.
“She had just finished filming the movie [The] Dink and [It’s] Always Sunny in Philadelphia,.”That was mid-Dec. She was exhausted, so she went to the doc, and to everyone’s shock, she had a tumor between the liver [and] gallbladder. She went very quickly.”
“The day before she passed, the director of the movie sent over a cut of the movie so Lynne and her family got to watch,” Smith added. “That was so kind, and it was nice for everyone to see her last work. ”
One of Stewart’s other friends, Jonathan Stark, took to Facebook and posted a heartfelt tribute.
“I lost a friend today. And the world lost a great soul. Lynne Marie Stewart is gone. Miss Yvonne, “The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland”. It seemed impossible to me as I felt that her goodness and light would live forever. I’m beyond heartbroken. She was the kindest most loving person I ever knew and she was without question, one of the most talented and funny people ever. I first met her when I was working on the original “Pee Wee Herman Show” at The Groundlings stage in 1980. I saw her backstage getting ready for the show..”
Stewart was born on Dec. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Stewart discovered her passion for the performing arts early on and refined her craft as a member of the renowned Groundlings comedy troupe during the 1970s. This formative experience paved the way for a career that would span nearly six decades.
Stewart is best known for originating the role of Miss Yvonne—the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land—in the groundbreaking 1981 stage production, The Pee-wee Herman Show. Her portrayal of the enchanting and quirky character resonated with audiences. She reprised the role in the CBS television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse, as well as in subsequent stage revivals including a Broadway production in 2010. In addition to her work with Pee-wee Herman, Stewart enjoyed a diverse career, making guest appearances on iconic television series such as MAS*H, Laverne & Shirley, Night Court, and The Golden Girls.
Later in her career, she earned acclaim for her recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, the neurotic and lovable mother of Charlie Kelly, on the popular series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Rest In Peace.
