The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. and its members will mourn the loss of Tony Award-winning actress Maureen Stapleton, who passed away yesterday by dimming the lights of the Great White Way. The marquee lights of every Broadway theatre will be dimmed at exactly 8 p.m. tonight for one minute in her memory.
The two-time Tony Award- and Oscar-winner passed away at the age of 80, with the cause of death cited chronic pulmonary disease caused by years of smoking.Stapleton, who was born in Troy, NY on June 21st, 1925 was renowned for her versatility, and her career spanned roles on stage, film and television. She won her first Tony Award in 1951 for creating the role of Serafina della Rose in Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo and also originated the role of Lady Torrance in the same playwright's Orpheus Descending; Anna Magnani would play both of those roles in the plays' respective film versions. Williams was also a personal friend of the actress, who described both professional accomplishments and a troubled personal life in her autobiography. She was an actress whose "unremarkable, matronly appearance belied her star personality and talent," according to an Associated Press obituary.Videos