Elaine Stritch, Iconic Star of Stage and Screen, Passes Away at 89
It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that Elaine Stritch, the iconic actress of Broadway, film and television has passed away at the age of 89. Stritch, who was nominated for many Tony and Emmy awards and won three of the latter, was known best in recent years for her role as Colleen Donaghy, mother of Jack, on '30 Rock.'
As reported by Deadline, Stritch passed away earlier today in her Birmingham, Michigan home. Stritch had recently moved there following the filming of her acclaimed 2013 documentary 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,' which profiled her life and career and reflected upon Stritch's status as a living legend. While filming the documentary, Stritch contemplated moving back to her birthplace in Michigan to retire while also coping with the struggles of being a diabetic.
Stritch garnered acclaim over the years for her work with Stephen Sondheim, and picked up Tony nominations for her performances on stage in 'Bus Stop,' 'Sail Away,' 'Company,' and 'A Delicate Balance.' Known for her uncompromising attitude and incomparable wit, Stritch continued performing on stage well into her later years, winning an Emmy for a 2002 television special of her variety show 'Elaine Stritch at Liberty.' She was nominated for an Emmy for her role as Colleen Donaghy, mother of Jack on '30 Rock' five times, and won the award for the part in 2007.
In recent years, Stritch appeared in films such as 'Monster-in-Law,' 'Romance and Cigarettes,' and lent her voice to the animated film 'ParaNorman.' She also appeared in the aforementioned documentary, 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,' produced by '30 Rock' pal Alec Baldwin, in which she reflected with beautiful honesty upon her life and career on stage and screen.
Stritch was and will forever remain a true icon, and though she is no longer with us, her legend lives on as an inspiration to us all. She was unyielding, and taught us that it's okay to not only acknowledge your flaws, but to embrace them with honesty and wit. She was a fierce woman, and she will be fiercely missed.