Lynne Marie Stewart, ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and ‘Pee-wee's Playhouse' Actor, Dies at 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, who had supporting turns in 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' has died, her friend Cassandra Peterson confirmed via Instagram Friday. She was 78.
A lifelong Los Angeles native, Stewart began her career in comedy as part of the Hollywood-based sketch group 'The Groundlings,' where she met Peterson and future 'Pee-wee' co-star Paul Reubens.
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Her early television career included roles as several different nurses on 'M*A*S*H', a guest spot on 'Night Court' and a slew of recurring roles on 'Laverne & Shirley.' In 1973, she had a brief role as a driver in 'American Graffiti,' and in 1987 she appeared in the Arnold Schwarzenegger thriller 'The Running Man.'
Stewart was best known for her role as Miss Yvonne, 'the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland,' first originated in the 1981 Broadway stage version of 'The Pee-wee Herman Show.' She would continue in the role across film and television, playing Miss Yvonne from 1986-1990 in five seasons of 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' as well as in feature films 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' and 'Big Top Pee-wee.'
In addition to a recurring role as Charlie Kelly's (Charlie Day) mother Bonnie on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' Stewart's extensive career in comedy included working with Tracey Ullman on sketch comedy specials for HBO and Showtime, as well as six-episode stint on 'Comedy Bang! Bang!' and countless voice acting roles.
'My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynne Stewart's passing,' Peterson wrote in an Instagram post announcing Stewart's death. '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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'I lost a friend today. And the world lost a great soul,' added Stewart's longtime friend Jonathan Stark in a Facebook post. '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.'
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