Character actress Peggy Pope, best known for her role as the alcoholic receptionist Margaret in the 1980 film 9 to 5, has died at the age of 91. She passed away on Wednesday, May 27 in Fort Collins, Colorado, from causes unrelated to COVID-19, her family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Born on May 15, 1929, in Montclair, New Jersey, Pope attended College High and Kimberly School before graduating from Smith College with a theatre major in 1951. She made her Broadway debut in 1959 in Moonbirds and began her film and television career in 1966 with a guest role on The Trials of O'Brien.
Her breakthrough came in 9 to 5, where her character's catchphrase 'Atta girl' encouraged co-workers played by Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. Pope later wrote in her memoir, Atta Girl: Tales from a Life in the Trenches of Show Business: 'It was a good movie and a good part. At the end, my character comes back from rehab, hair combed, looking spiffy and ready for the sequel.'
Pope's career spanned nearly six decades, with roles in films such as All Night Long (1981), The Last Starfighter (1984), Once Bitten (1985), The Substitute (1996), and Choke (2008). She also appeared in television series including Bewitched and Billy.
She is survived by nephews Rob, Douglas, Ross, and Ed, their spouses, and her niece Wendy. A celebration of life will be held on June 27 via Zoom.
