Actress Louise Lasser, best known for starring in the satirical TV series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and as the ex-wife of Woody Allen, has died at the age of 87. Her close friend Susan Charlotte confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Lasser died of natural causes at her home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Monday.
Career Highlights and Early Work
Lasser appeared in several of Woody Allen’s early films, including Take the Money and Run, Bananas, and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask). She also voiced the character Suki Yaki in the 1966 film What’s Up, Tiger Lily?. Lasser was married to Allen from 1966 until 1970.
Breakthrough Role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Her breakthrough came with the title role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a groundbreaking 1970s comedy that aired five nights a week in syndication. The show parodied soap operas while tackling taboo subjects such as adultery, cults, and serial killers. Lasser later appeared in sitcoms including Taxi and took on a recurring role as artist Beadie on HBO’s Girls.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in New York in 1939, Lasser began her career on stage before transitioning to television and film in the 1960s. She is survived by her partner, Michael Citriniti. Her death marks the end of an era for fans of 1970s satirical television and Allen’s early comedic works.
