Carol Channing Comments on Death of Eileen Brennan

Broadway and film veteran Eileen Brennan has died at the age of 80, her publicist confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter today. The actress passed away in her Burbank home on Sunday, July 28, after a battle with bladder cancer.

Fellow Broadway star Carol Channing commented today on Brennan's passing, saying:

"Eileen was a brilliant actress and I respected her work. I truly wish we had kept more in contact over the years," Channing said. "As is the case in this industry, you so often lose touch with each other. She will be missed."

Perhaps best known for her role as the affable Texas waitress in Peter Bogdanovich's THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, the brazen Brennan also made a name for herself as 'Doreen Lewis' opposite Goldie Hawn in PRIVATE BENJAMIN, for which she received an Oscar nomination for 'Best Supporting Actress.'

Brennan later reprised her role in the TV adaptation in 1981-83, winning a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy for her acclaimed performance. Not stopping there, the beloved comedic star also received Emmy nominations for her guest appearances throughout the years on NEWHART, THIRYSOMETHING, TAXI, and WILL & GRACE.

No stranger to the stage, Brennan originated the role of Irene Molloy in Broadway's HELLO, DOLLY! in 1964, as well as 'Merry May Glockenspiel' in THE STUDENT GYPSY. Prior to making her debut on the Great White Way, Brennan took Off-Broadway by storm, leading GYPSY's prequel LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, as well as the first revival of THE KING & I at City Center in 1963.

The actress has also been featured in such films as THE STING, DAISY MILLER, THE CHEAP DETECTIVE, CLUE, MURDER BY DEATH, and many more.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski