Lynne Marie Stewart, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny’ Actress, Dies at 78 – Hollywood Reporter
Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSubscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterShe was also a member of The Groundlings in the 1970-80s.
By
Carly Thomas
Associate Editor
Lynne Marie Stewart, the veteran actress best 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 Friday, according to a spokesperson for the comedy sketch troupe The Groundlings. The 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.”
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Born on Dec. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Stewart had an extensive acting career. In her early acting days, in the 1970-’80s, she was a member of The Groundlings but continued as a pillar of that community over the years.
After originating the role of Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, onstage in 1981’s The Pee-Wee Herman Show, she continued with the character on the CBS Saturday morning program Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which aired from 1986-91. She reprised the role for a 2010 Los Angeles stage revival as well as a Broadway production, which opened in November 2010 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
She recurred role as Charlie Kenny’s (Charlie Day) mother, Bonnie Kelly, on FX/FXX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Her final appearance on that 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 Cassandra Peterson, famed for playing the 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.’”Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySubscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSend us a tip using our anonymous form.
