Lynne Marie Stewart, a veteran actress who is most known for her work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, among dozens of other projects, has died. She was 78.
Stewart died on Friday, according to a spokesperson for the comedy sketch troupe The Groundlings. Her cause of death wasn’t immediately available.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear sweet Lynne Stewart,” The Groundlings shared in a statement. “She wasn’t just the most beautiful woman in all of Puppetland — she was the most beautiful woman that we ever met- inside and out. Her warmth, humor, and unforgettable presence lit up a room and brought joy to so, so many. She will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine through the laughter and love she gave us all.”
Born on Dec. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Stewart went on to have an extensive acting career. In her early acting days, in the 1970-80s, she was also a member of The Groundlings but continued to stay a pillar of the community over the years.
After originating the role of Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, in the 1981 stage show, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, she continued the character on the CBS TV show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which aired from 1986-1991. She also reprised the role for the 2010 Los Angeles stage revival as well as the Broadway production, which opened in November 2010 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
As for her onscreen work, she’s best known for her recurring role as Charlie Kenny’s mother Bonnie Kelly in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Her final appearance on the show was during season 16 in 2023.
Stewart’s other film and TV credits included American Graffiti, M*A*S*H, Husbands, Wives & Lovers, Madame’s Place, Laverne & Shirley, The Running Man, On the Television, Reasonable Doubts, Night Stand, Son of the Beach, Significant Others, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 2 Broke Girls and Comedy Bang! Bang!.
She is survived by her sister, Gayle Stewart.
Friend and fellow actress, Cassandra Peterson, known for playing horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, were among those paying tribute to Stewart on social media. “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing,” she wrote. “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.'”
English (US) ·