Eileen Brennan
Acting
Eileen Brennan (September 3, 1932 – July 28, 2013) was an American actress who was known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in the 1980 comedy film Private Benjamin. She also won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Mrs. Hughes in the television series Newhart.
Brennan was born in Los Angeles, California, and began her acting career in the theater. She made her Broadway debut in 1963 in the musical Little Mary Sunshine. She went on to appear in several other Broadway musicals, including Hello, Dolly! and Annie.
Brennan made her film debut in the 1967 satire Divorce American Style. She followed this with supporting roles in the films The Last Picture Show (1971), The Cheap Detective (1978), and The First Wives Club (1996). She also starred in the films Clue (1985) and Sister Act (1992).
In addition to her film and theater work, Brennan also had a successful television career. She appeared in numerous television shows, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Cheers, and Will & Grace.
She died on July 28, 2013, at the age of 80, from complications of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.
Brennan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2001. She underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She continued to work and act throughout her treatment, and she even appeared in the 2011 film The Big Year.
In 2013, Brennan's health began to decline. She died on July 28, 2013, at her home in Los Angeles. She was survived by her husband, David John Lampson, and her daughter, Emily.
Media of
Eileen Brennan
Photos (21)
Filmography of
Eileen Brennan
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
... 2022
Gram Malone
... 2011
Mrs. Cherkiss
... 2006
... 2005
Carol Fields
... 2005
Joan Van Etten
... 2004
Minnie Hitchcock
... 2003
Mrs. Cresswell
... 2002
The Cat Lady
... 2001
Pamela 'Mimi' Applegate
... 1999
Mom
... 1998
... 1998
Joe #1
... 1997
Mother Superior
... 1997
Mrs. Randozza
... 1997
Tessie
... 1996
Sister Margaret
... 1995
Clara
... 1995
Principal Handel
... 1995
Sada
... 1994
The Who-Villain
... 1994
Mrs. Randazzo
... 1994
Barbara Mannix
... 1994
Minnie
... 1993
Rose (voice)
... 1993
Martha Catlin
... 1993
Frieda
... 1992
Vicky Martin
... 1992
Self
... 1991
Charlotte
... 1991
Judy
... 1990
Genevieve Morgan
... 1990
Mrs. Wilkerson
... 1990
Judith
... 1989
Maude
... 1988
Hotel Desk Clerk
... 1988
Stella
... 1988
Miss Bannister
... 1988
... 1987
... 1987
Mrs. Piper / Widow Hubbard
... 1986
Mrs. Peacock
... 1985
Amanda Jackson (Segment "Twinkle, Twinkle")
... 1985
Judith
... 1985
Gail Corbin
... 1983
Maggie
... 1982
Millworker
... 1982
Candy's Mom
... 1982
Aunt Angelique Lane
... 1982
Sara Davis
... 1981
... 1981
Capt. Doreen Lewis
... 1980
Marie
... 1979
Mary Jensen
... 1979
Betty DeBoop
... 1978
Penelope
... 1978
Mother
... 1978
Carol Werner
... 1977
Tess Skeffington
... 1976
Paula Hollinger
... 1975
Ann Muldoon
... 1975
Delafield's Mistress
... 1975
Mrs. Lindholm Sr.
... 1975
Elizabeth
... 1975
Baba Goya
... 1974
Mrs. Walker
... 1974
Mary Thatcher
... 1974
Billie
... 1973
Glenda
... 1973
Darlene
... 1973
Amy
... 1972
Genevieve
... 1971
Eunice Tase
... 1967
Hallie
... 1966