Lynne Marie Stewart, who is very well-known for starring as Charlie’s mom in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has passed away at 78. Stewart was best known as a comedian who was active in Hollywood for over 50 years, having first begun her work in the industry with 1971’s Drive, He Said. Her career took a turn when she managed to earn a place on The Pee-wee Herman Show, where she broke out as an actor. In the Pee-wee universe, she was best known as Miss Yvonne, and she would later expand into other movies and shows.
Per Deadline, Stewart died on February 21 at the age of 78. Her manager, Bette Smith, reported that Stewart had found a tumor between her liver and gallbladder, stating that “Lynne was the most talented actress. She loved her craft above everything.” Her death comes nearly two years after her co-star, Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman), also passed away after a six-year fight against cancer.
Stewart Left Her Mark On Hollywood
Her Fellow Stars Continue To Remember Her
Stewart was an exceptional comedian, who starred in over 100 productions during her time in Hollywood. She was invited to a variety of shows and movies, claiming roles in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016), 2 Broke Girls, Superman, The Golden Girls, Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union, and even the dramatic The Running Man (1987 film). Her fellow cast members had nothing but kind things to share about her, with her Elvira co-star, Cassandra Peterson, calling her “One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived” in her tribute post to the late star:
Across Hollywood, actors continue to share acknowledgments regarding Stewart’s talent and good heart. Charlie Day, who played her son in Always Sunny, said that Stewart deserves “a standing ovation” and thanked her “for all the years of laughter“. Drew Powell (The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway) called her the “kindest most affirming most supportive person“, while Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Day’s real-life wife and co-star in It’s Always Sunny, called her “So lovely. So funny“.
Her Legacy Is Not Yet Defined
It is impossible to deny that Stewart had an extremely influential career. As Miss Yvonne, she helped to influence the lives of countless young viewers and easily defined a franchise. She is even poised to star in more productions in the future, as she recently finished filming The Dink and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17. Stewart made an extraordinary impact on comedy and on Hollywood as a whole. While she has passed on, she will always be remembered for her incredible work and her good heart.
Sources: Deadline/Charlie Day, Drew Powell & Mary Elizabeth Ellis/Instagram