Remembering Lynne Marie Stewart; A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Lynne Marie Stewart, best known for her iconic role as Miss Yvonne on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and her recurring role as Bonnie Kelly on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died at the age of 78. Her death was announced on February 21, 2025, by her friend Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson and confirmed by her representative, Bette Smith. Stewart passed away just months after being diagnosed with a tumor near her liver and gallbladder in mid-December 2024.
Born on December 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Stewart began her acting career in the 1970s as a member of the renowned comedy troupe The Groundlings. She originated the role of Miss Yvonne, “The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland,” in the 1981 stage production of The Pee-wee Herman Show and continued the character on the CBS series Pee-wee’s Playhouse from 1986 to 1990. She reprised the role in stage revivals in 2010, including a Broadway production. Stewart also gained recognition for her role as Charlie Kelly’s mother on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which she played from 2005 until her final appearance in 2023.
Stewart’s career spanned decades, with notable appearances in films such as American Graffiti (1973), Bridesmaids (2011), and The Running Man (1987). She was celebrated for her kindness, humor, and dedication to her craft. Her friend and fellow actress Cassandra Peterson described her as “one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived,” while The Groundlings praised her as “the most beautiful woman we ever met, inside and out.”
Stewart is survived by her sister, Gayle Stewart. Her legacy as a beloved actress and cherished friend continues to resonate with fans and colleagues alike.
Lynne Marie Stewart, Star of Pee-wee's Playhouse and It's Always Sunny, Dies at 78: 'The World Lost a Great Soul'
Lynne Marie Stewart's friend Cassandra 'Elvira' Peterson announced the actress had died at age 78 in a post on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21.
people.com
Lynne Marie Stewart, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny’ Actress, Dies at 78
She was also a member of The Groundlings in the 1970-80s.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Lynne Marie Stewart, 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' actress, dies at 78 after 'unexpected' illness
A rep for the actress told USA TODAY a tumor was found in December near her liver and she died a month or so after her diagnosis.
www.yahoo.com
Lynne Marie Stewart, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Pee-wee's Playhouse actor, dies at age 78
The actor who played Charlie's mother in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and starred in Pee-wee's Playhouse died at age 78 on Friday, a spokesperson
www.cbsnews.com
Lynne Marie Stewart, ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ Actor, Dies at 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, known for her work in 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' has died at age 78.
variety.com
Lynne Marie Stewart Dies: ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ & ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ Actress Was 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, the actress known for roles in Pee-wee's Playhouse and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died. She was 78.
deadline.com
R.I.P. Lynne Marie Stewart, from It's Always Sunny and Pee-wee's Playhouse
R.I.P. Lynne Marie Stewart, from It's Always Sunny and Pee-wee's Playhouse
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Last Breath Is, Well, Breathtaking
This underwater-survival thriller, based on a real-life 2012 deep-sea diving incident, is worth seeing on a big screen while you can.
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Remembering Lynne Marie Stewart
Remembering Lynne Marie Stewart
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