Eileen Brennan Headshot

Eileen Brennan

Date of Death: July 30, 2013 (80)

Birth Place: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Get Eileen Brennan Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Eileen Brennan BIO

Eileen Brennan was an American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and on stage. She was born on September 3, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a show business family. Her mother was a silent film actress, and her father was a doctor who treated many Hollywood stars.
Brennan began her acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in various television shows and films. She made her Broadway debut in 1961 in the musical "Little Mary Sunshine," for which she received a Theatre World Award. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Hello, Dolly!" and "The King of Hearts."
In 1971, Brennan received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "The Last Picture Show." She continued to work in film throughout the 1970s, appearing in movies such as "The Sting" and "Murder by Death." In 1980, Brennan received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Private Benjamin," in which she played the tough-talking Captain Doreen Lewis.
Brennan's television work included a recurring role on the popular series "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She also appeared in several made-for-TV movies and miniseries, including "The Love Boat" and "Murder, She Wrote." In the 1990s, Brennan had a recurring role on the hit sitcom "Will & Grace," playing the eccentric character of Zandra.
Brennan's stage work continued throughout her career, and she received critical acclaim for her performances in plays such as "The Gin Game" and "The Little Foxes." In 1988, she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in "Aunt Dan and Lemon."
In 1982, Brennan was involved in a serious car accident that left her with a broken leg, jaw, and eye socket. She underwent extensive surgery and rehabilitation, and the accident left her with a permanent limp and facial scars. However, Brennan continued to work in film, television, and on stage, and she became an advocate for disabled actors.
Brennan's last film role was in the 2011 comedy "The Lamp," in which she played the character of Mrs. Kenser. She passed away on July 28, 2013, at the age of 80, due to bladder cancer. Throughout her career, Eileen Brennan was known for her distinctive voice, sharp wit, and ability to play a wide range of characters. She was a beloved and respected actress who left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.

Eileen Brennan STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Irene Molloy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Merry May Glockenspiel

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1963
Anna Leonowens

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1959
Mary Potts


Eileen Brennan Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Best Actress

Eileen Brennan, Little Mary Sunshine


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1960 - Performance

Eileen Brennan, Little Mary Sunshine

Eileen Brennan News


State Theatre New Jersey Will Present CLUE This Month


State Theatre New Jersey will present CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy, for four performances on Saturday, April 27 at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday, April 28 at 1pm and 6:30pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.

Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates The 60th Anniversary of HELLO, DOLLY!


The next Musical Theatre Melodies broadcast, hosted by Rob Morrison on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, January 16 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Jerry Herman musical Hello, Dolly!

Feature: WOMEN OF A CERTAIN STAGE at Westport Country Playhouse


One Acts, Music, Dorothy Lyman speaking about Hollywood's Glass Ceiling Celebrate the Accomplishments of Women Over 40 on Stage!

First Off-Broadway Production of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF to Open This July


Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, in a new production by Ruth Stage, will play The Theater at St. Clements (423 W. 46th Street) beginning previews July 15, and opening night is set for July 24. The original scheduled run of this production, which had been announced for January, 2022, was postponed due to the ongoing health crisis.

JoBeth Williams and Harris Yulin to Star in WE HAVE TO HURRY Livestream Production


Oscar, Emmy  and  Golden Globe nominated actress JoBeth Williams and Award winning Broadway, film and television actor Harris Yulin are set to star in the next monthly digital presentation of the new play  We Have To Hurry, streaming live via Broadway on Demand for two performances only, Saturday, July 10th at 8pm and Sunday, July 11th at 3pm.

WE HAVE TO HURRY Hosts Virtual Stage Door With Performance


We Have to Hurry , by a new work by acclaimed playwright, actor, and director Dorothy Lyman starring Kathleen Chalfant and Elliott Gould will host a Virtual Stage Door.

CAPA To Offer Abbreviated, Socially Distanced 2020 CAPA SUMMER MOVIE SERIES At The Ohio Theatre


The CAPA Summer Movie Series, the longest-running classic film series in America, today announced an abbreviated schedule for its 51st series of classic films and cult favorites.

VIDEO: Michael Urie, Brandon Uranowitz, Brynn O'Malley and More Featured in CLUE FROM HOME: THE DINING ROOM


The cast of the '30th Anniversary Tribute to Clue' (Player's Club) has reunited via self-tape to recreate the dining room scene from the film.

Jack Allison, Prestigious Theater Teacher And Director, Passes Away At 78


John M. 'Jack' Allison, prestigious theater teacher and director in the United States, Canada, and Europe, died peacefully at the age of 78 on June 16, 2019 in East Northport, New York. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, he graduated from New Jersey City University with a BA in American Literature and History before earning an MA in Speech and Drama from The Catholic University of America, and a PhD (ABD) in Theatre and Directing from the University of Denver.

A COUPLA WHITE CHICKS SITTING AROUND TALKING to Play at Theatre Tallahassee


A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking will play at Theatre Tallahassee Sept. 19-29.

getTV To Celebrate 25th Anniversary of WALKER, TEXAS RANGER on 6/4


In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the network premiere of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” getTV will air the wildly popular action-adventure series starring Chuck Norris, beginning June 4. Episodes will be broadcast weekdays from 2:00PM to 6:00PM ET/1-5C and Sundays from 5:00PM-10PM ET/4-7C.

VTA Announces Summer Cool Films Series


Victoria Theatre Association's announces the 2017 Summer Cool Films Series line-up running July 8-August 28, plus titles for Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films!  Passbooks for the series are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630, toll free (888) 228-3630 or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Ribbons Down Their Backs: The Supporting Ladies of HELLO, DOLLY!


Hello, Dolly! is one of the most famous Broadway star vehicles, and no production has yet made that clearer than the one with Bette Midler's name floating high atop the marquee (and the 'sold out' sign). But what about the supporting ladies that fill the stage alongside the whirlwind Dolly Levi?

VTA Announces Summer Cool Films Series


Victoria Theatre Association's announces the 2017 Summer Cool Films Series line-up running July 8-August 28, plus titles for Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films!  Passbooks for the series are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630, toll free (888) 228-3630 or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

BWW Interview: Too Much MURDER FOR TWO at Winter Park Playhouse


MURDER FOR TWO begins its run at Winter Park Playhouse this week. Promising to be better than most of those murder mystery diners in the tourist area, this cabaret-style show is played by just two men. I had an opportunity to interview MURDER FOR TWO stars Michael Swickard and Kevin Kelly as they prepare to put on a lot of different hats.

BWW Interview: Kate Baldwin on Exploring Different Sides of Herself in New Feinstein's/54 Below Show and the 'Full Circle' of Working with Bette Midler


This spring, Kate Baldwin will appear in one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season, the Bette Midler-starring revival of HELLO, DOLLY! Baldwin will once again be portraying the fun-loving and yearning Irene Molloy, a role which she had previously taken on at the Paper Mill Playhouse a decade ago. Prior to stepping back into Molloy's shoes, though, Baldwin will return to Feinstein's/54 Below to perform a brand new solo show, EXTRAORDINARY MACHINE, singing the songs of some of her favorite artists. Busy as she is, BroadwayWorld had a chance to chat with Baldwin ahead of her four-show engagement at the cabaret venue, the first of which kicks off on October 25. Baldwin, sincerely affable and reflective, shared the 'full circle' nature of costarring alongside Bette Midler (she may have once made the ill-advised decision to sing 'The Rose' at a middle school talent show), how she uses her solo concerts to introspect her life and career, and why she, like many others surely, often asks herself, 'What would Gavin Creel do?'

Rumor Patrol: Cindy Adams Says Carol Channing Possible for HELLO, DOLLY Revival!?


Despite firm denials from both press rep Rick Miramontez and producer Scott Rudin, as well as the star's age (95), the NY Post's Cindy Adams insists she has heard rumors that Carol Channing could be up for playing the matinee 'Dolly'

From John Lithgow to Kevin Kline- Fans Chime in on the Ideal Horace for HELLO, DOLLY!


Dolly is a great comic role, but it requires a great foil playing opposite her.

It Takes A Horace! Who Should Star In HELLO, DOLLY! Opposite Bette Midler?


Dolly is a great comic role, but it requires a great foil playing opposite her.

Michael Urie, Brandon Uranowitz & More to Lead CLUE Tribute Performance Next Week


The Players, the historic private social club on Gramercy Park, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cult comedy classic "Clue" with an all-star tribute performance honoring Jonathan Lynn, the film's director and screenwriter, on Sunday, December 13th.

Eileen Brennan FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Eileen Brennan been in?

Eileen Brennan has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Eileen Brennan been in?

Eileen Brennan has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Eileen Brennan been nominated for?

Eileen Brennan has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Obie Awards for her performance in "Little Mary Sunshine." Additionally, she received a nomination for Performance at the Theatre World Awards for the same production. These nominations highlight her talent and recognition within the theater industry.

What awards has Eileen Brennan won?

Eileen Brennan has won several awards throughout her career. She received the Best Actress award from the Obie Awards for her performance in "Little Mary Sunshine." Additionally, she was recognized with the Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for her work in the same production, "Little Mary Sunshine." These accolades highlight Brennan's talent and skill as an actress in the Broadway industry.

Get Eileen Brennan Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos