Louise Lasser, Mary Hartman star, dies at 87
“Nothing I did in my career, ever, was planned.” Farewell to Louise Lasser (1939-2026) — a singular presence on stage, TV commercials, in films like BANANAS (1971) and, most unforgettably, as the title character on the Emmy-winning, Norman Lear-produced MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN (1976-77).
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was completely original, and a completely weird show. I watched it during summer vacation. I remember it being on late at night. Maybe because it was considered controversial at the time. R.I.P. Louise Lasser.
LOVED Mary Hartman Mary Hartman May her memory be a blessing
Saw her first in “bananas” in a double bill with “sleeper” at the Swiss centre Cinema in London.
She was brilliant. No one else could have pulled of MH,MH like her. RIP.
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was one of a few shows that was ahead of it's time. It was hilarious. I loved it. Fernwood Tonight was another that comes to mind.
My parents loved that show. She was fabulous.
I ram stunned and grieving: Louise Lasser is no longer with us. Raise a glass to the genius who created Mary Hartman and her waxy yellow build-up. "What kind of a madman would shoot two goats and eight chickens? [pause] And the people... the people, of course."
I was obsessed with Mary Hartman in the late 1990s, and also (much to the chagrin of my husband) Lasser's performance in 'Happiness'. She did a lot of great stuff and always out-of-nowhere choices, and I adored her for all of them.
Dear God, this is not what I needed to hear tonight😔 Louise was about as original as original gets. Rest comfortably, sweet and brilliant lady.
Ah, this is terrible. What a lady! I’m so sorry, Claudia.
I’m so sorry to hear this.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Claudia. My condolences.
I’m sorry, Claudia. She was such a presence in our house when the show was on, and her talent is only more amazing in retrospect. Mary is on the short list of the best TV characters of all time. My condolences to you.