star Frances Sternhagen has died at the age of 93.
The veteran actress played Bunny Macdougal in .
In a statement, her family shared the sad news and said they would ‘continue to be inspired by her love and life.’
They confirmed she had died peacefully in her sleep, days shy of her 97th birthday.
Her son, John Carlin, wrote on Instagram: ‘Frannie. Mom. Frances Sternhagen.
‘On Monday night, Nov 27, she died peacefully at her home, a month and a half shy of her 94th birthday.’
Paying tribute to ‘the remarkable gift of an artist and human being’ that she was, he said she was ‘beloved by so many.’
‘I’m very lucky I was able to call her my mom, my friend, my song and dance partner. We were together last week, and we spoke Monday afternoon, said how much we loved and missed one another.’
Carlin, who is a musician, revealed he had been boarding a plane to London when he got the news of his mothers death and is currently in th city where he is due to perform this weekend, including a song inspired by her.
‘She always encouraged my writing, and enjoyed my singing. I’ll fly back very early the next day.
‘Fly on, Frannie. The curtain goes down on a life so richly, passionately, humbly and generously lived.’
Tributes flooded the comments as friends and fans alike shared their condolences, one Instagram user describing her as a ‘force of nature.’
‘What an extraordinary, inspiring and beautiful person your mom was (is!). I’m sending much love your way,’ another wrote.
While beloved to millions for her role as the insufferable mother-in-law in Sex and the City, Sternhagen was also a force to be reckoned with on the stage.
She received a Tony Awards for her role in the original Broadway production of Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor, and for the revival of The Heiress, along with five other nominations for other performances including Equus and On Golden Pond.
Her part in legendary sitcom Cheers as Esther Clavin also earned her further Emmy nominations.
Her first performance came in 1948 at the age of 18, where she performed at a summer theatre, before making her Broadway debut in 1955.
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