Louise Lasser, the actress and writer celebrated for her role as the titular character in the satirical soap opera "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and for her past marriage to director Woody Allen, has died. She was 87.
Lasser died Monday of natural causes at her home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, her longtime friend Susan Charlotte confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Her death was first reported by Daily Mail.
Born on April 11, 1939, Lasser gained prominence in the 1970s for her role in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," a syndicated television series that parodied daytime soap operas with its blend of dark humor and absurdity. Lasser not only starred in the show but also co-created and wrote for it, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of a bewildered housewife navigating increasingly bizarre domestic and societal challenges.
Her career in film began with her marriage to Woody Allen in 1966. She appeared in several of his early directorial efforts, including "Take the Money and Run" (1969) and "Bananas" (1971). The couple divorced in 1970. Despite their separation, Lasser maintained a professional respect for Allen, describing him as "very talented, and really funny, and really serious."
Beyond her most famous television role, Lasser's career encompassed various acting and writing projects across film and television. Her distinctive persona and contributions to television comedy left a lasting impact on the entertainment landscape.