Frances Sternhagen, a seasoned stage and screen performer known for roles in films such as “Misery” and as Bunny in the HBO series “Sex and the City,” has died, according to a spokesman for Sternhagen.
She was 93 years old. Sternhagen’s representative, Sarah Fargo, issued the following statement on behalf of the late actor’s family:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear mother, actress Frances Sternhagen, died peacefully of natural causes on November 27th, 2023, at the age of 93, in New Rochelle, NY.” Her six children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive her. A celebration of her outstanding career and life is planned for mid-January when she turns 94. Her love and life continue to inspire us.”
Sternhagen’s son, John Carlin, paid tribute to his mother on his Instagram page on Wednesday, adding she “was beloved by many.” I consider myself extremely fortunate to name her my mother, friend, and song and dance partner.”
Frances Sternhagen, Actress Who Appeared In ‘Misery’ And ‘Sex And The City,’ Dead At 93
Sternhagen’s career as a stage and movie actress spans nearly seven decades. In addition to “Misery,” Sternhagen participated in several Stephen King adaptations, including the tense 2007 film “The Mist,” co-starring Thomas Jane.
Other significant film appearances by Sternhagen include “Outland,” “Raising Cain,” and “Julie & Julia.”
Her most lasting impact came from her television career, notably on “Sex and the City,” where she played Bunny MacDougal, Trey’s first husband’s entitled and overbearing mother. (“Sex and the City”) is an HBO original. Warner Bros. Discovery owns HBO and CNN.)
Frances received her third Primetime Emmy nomination for the role; she was previously nominated twice in the early 1990s for her portrayal as Cliff Clavin’s mother Esther on “Cheers.”
Frances was a well-known stage performer in addition to her work on screen.
According to a Broadway World profile, she began her performing career by teaching acting, singing, and dancing at the Milton Academy in Massachusetts.
In 1955, she made her Broadway debut as Miss T. Muse in the theatrical play “The Skin of Our Teeth.”
Throughout the 1970s, Sternhagen appeared in numerous award-winning plays, including Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor,” “Equus,” “On Golden Pond,” and “Angel,” among others.
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Other significant film appearances by Sternhagen include “Outland,” “Raising Cain,” and “Julie & Julia.”
She had seven Tony Award nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” in which she co-starred with her son Carlin.
“We were together last week, and we spoke Monday afternoon, saying how much we loved and missed one another,” Carlin stated on Instagram on Wednesday. “She always encouraged my writing, and enjoyed my singing.”
“Take off, Frannie. “The curtain falls on a life that has been richly, passionately, humbly, and generously lived,” he added.
Frances is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and stage productions. She has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards for her performances in various Broadway plays.
Frances has also appeared in popular television shows such as “Cheers” and “The Closer,” and has had notable roles in films like “The Mist” and “Outland.”
With a career spanning several decades, Sternhagen is recognized for her versatile acting abilities and her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
SOURCE – (CNN)
