Actress Lynne Marie Stewart has died, her friend has confirmed in a heartbreaking tribute to the star. The star, best known for her roles in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Pee-Wee's Playhouse, was 78. Lynne's friend and fellow actress Cassandra Peterson said in an emotional statement on social media to announce the news.
It read: "My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be 'the most beautiful woman in Puppetland'.".
Stewart had appeared in a variety of Pee-Wee Herman shows as Miss Yvonne. She first played the part in the 1981 stage show The Pee-wee Herman Show. She continued the role during the CBS show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, before also featuring in the 2010 stage revival and Broadway production.
In It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Stewart played the part of Bonnie Kelly, who was the mum of Charlie Day’s character Charlie Kelly. Stewart made her onscreen debut in 1971. She featured in the film Drive, She Said before going on to appear in more on-screen productions, including 1973's American Graffiti. On the small-screen, she featured on shows such as Laverne & Shirley and Arrested Development. Other titles on her resume included guest appearance on Disney shows such as Austin & Ally and Good Luck Charlie in 2011.
After the news of her death was released, fans paid tribute to the actress online. Emmy winner Danny Deraney was among those sharing heartfelt messages, writing: "Just got word that the most beautiful girl in puppet land has passed away. Millions of us loved Lynne Marie Stewart who played Miss Yvonne on Pee Wee's Playhouse. Not only a groundlings legend, but truly an actor that could do anything.".
Another fan penned: "bonnie kelly was always my favorite secondary character. Every scene she was in would never fail to crack me up. There’s so many scenes to pick from but this is one of my favorites. Thank you for the laughs lynne marie stewart <3." And a third wrote: "man this one hurts :( rip lynne marie stewart.".
Jonathan Stark, another friend of Stewart’s, shared his own tribute on Facebook. His heartbreaking post read: "I lost a friend today. And the world lost a great soul. Lynne Marie Stewart is gone. Miss Yvonne, ‘The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland.’ It seemed impossible to me as I felt that her goodness and light would live forever. I’m beyond heartbroken.".
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . Celeb obsessed? Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox.
