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| | birth_name = Verla Eileen Regina Brennen<!--- Yes, it's "Brennen", not "Brennan" ---> | | birth_name = Verla Eileen Regina Brennen<!--- Yes, it's "Brennen", not "Brennan" ---> | ||
| | birth_date = {{birth date|1932|9|3}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|1932|9|3}} | ||
| | birth_place = | | birth_place = ], ], U.S. | ||
| | death_date = {{Death date and age|2013|7|28|1932|9|3}} | | death_date = {{Death date and age|2013|7|28|1932|9|3}} | ||
| | death_place = ], U.S. | | death_place = ], U.S. | ||
| | education = ] | | education = ]<br>] | ||
| | known_for = {{hlist|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''|'']''}} | |||
| | occupation = Actress | | occupation = Actress | ||
| | years_active = 1960–2011 | | years_active = 1960–2011 | ||
| Line 17: | Line 18: | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Eileen Brennan''' (born '''Verla Eileen Regina Brennen'''; September 3, 1932 – July 28, 2013)<ref>{{cite web| title=California Birth Index 1905-1995: Verla Eileen Brennen| url=https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VGHJ-G4Z| |
'''Eileen Brennan''' (born '''Verla Eileen Regina Brennen'''; September 3, 1932 – July 28, 2013)<ref>{{cite web| title=California Birth Index 1905-1995: Verla Eileen Brennen| url=https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VGHJ-G4Z| website=Family Search| access-date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> was an American actress. She made her film debut in the satire '']'' (1967), followed by a supporting role in ]'s '']'' (1971), which earned her a ] nomination for ]. | ||
| She gained further critical acclaim for her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in '']'', |
She gained further critical acclaim for her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in '']'', earning an Oscar nomination for ]. She reprised the role in ], winning both a ] and a ]. | ||
| Brennan |
Brennan starred opposite Peter Falk in two Neil Simon-penned murder mystery spoofs: '']'' (1976) and '']'' (1978). She also appeared in the ensemble cast of the mystery-comedy '']'' (1985). She worked prolifically in television, receiving Emmy nominations for her guest roles on '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. | ||
| ==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
| Brennan was born |
Verla Eileen Regina Brennen<!--- Yes, it's "Brennen", not "Brennan"... ---> was born September 3, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, to Regina Menehan, a former silent film actress, and John Gerald Brennen, a doctor.{{sfn|Lentz|2014|p=44}}<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/movies/eileen-brennan-of-private-benjamin-dies-at-80.html |title=Eileen Brennan, Stalwart of Film and Stage, Dies at 80 |date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2018 |author=Gates, Anita |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Births">According to the State of California. ''California Birth Index, 1905–1995''. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. At Ancestry.com</ref><ref name="biLA">{{cite news |title=Eileen Brennan. Actress. September 3, 1932 - July 28, 2013. Aged 80 |date=July 28, 2013 |newspaper=] |location=London |id={{ProQuest|1417213463}}}}</ref> | ||
| After graduating from high school in California, Brennan |
After graduating from high school in California, Brennan moved to ], to attend ], where she was a member of the Mask and Bauble Society.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eileen-brennan-mn0000180204 |title=Eileen Brennan Biography & History |website=] |access-date=December 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=olsen>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/31/local/la-me-eileen-brennan-20130731|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808115602/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/31/local/la-me-eileen-brennan-20130731 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |newspaper=] |title=Actress known for tough, soft quality |date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=March 7, 2017 |first=Mark |last=Olsen}}</ref> She later relocated to New York City to attend the ], where she was the roommate of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/eileen-brennan/bio/148707/ |work=TV Guide |title=Eileen Brennan Biography |access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 34: | ||
| Brennan began her acting career while attending university, appearing in Georgetown's stage productions of '']''. Her exceptional comic skills and romantic ] voice propelled her from unknown to star in the title role of Rick Besoyan's ] tongue-in-cheek musical/operetta '']'' (1959),<ref name=olsen/> earning Brennan an ], and its unofficial sequel ''The Student Gypsy'' (1963), on ].{{Sfn|Dietz|2014|p=190}} | Brennan began her acting career while attending university, appearing in Georgetown's stage productions of '']''. Her exceptional comic skills and romantic ] voice propelled her from unknown to star in the title role of Rick Besoyan's ] tongue-in-cheek musical/operetta '']'' (1959),<ref name=olsen/> earning Brennan an ], and its unofficial sequel ''The Student Gypsy'' (1963), on ].{{Sfn|Dietz|2014|p=190}} | ||
| She played Annie Sullivan in '']'' at the 1961 Central City Opera Summer Festival in Central City, Colorado directed by ], who had just won a Tony for his direction of the play on Broadway.<ref>Program, 30th Anniversary Central City Festival, ''The Miracle Worker'' by William Gibson. (1961).</ref> She went on to create the role of Irene Molloy in the original Broadway production of '']'' (1964).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/participant.jsp?spid=21796| title=Eileen Brennan: Biography| |
She played Annie Sullivan in '']'' at the 1961 Central City Opera Summer Festival in Central City, Colorado directed by ], who had just won a Tony for his direction of the play on Broadway.<ref>Program, 30th Anniversary Central City Festival, ''The Miracle Worker'' by William Gibson. (1961).</ref> She went on to create the role of Irene Molloy in the original Broadway production of '']'' (1964).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/participant.jsp?spid=21796| title=Eileen Brennan: Biography| website=]| access-date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> | ||
| Brennan's work in theatre attracted attention from television producers in California. ], who was seeking an actress to play the role of Laura Petrie on '']'', flew her from New York to Los Angeles to audition for the part; however, the role was given to ].{{Sfn|Waldron|2011|pages=68–70}} | Brennan's work in theatre attracted attention from television producers in California. ], who was seeking an actress to play the role of Laura Petrie on '']'', flew her from New York to Los Angeles to audition for the part; however, the role was given to ].{{Sfn|Waldron|2011|pages=68–70}} | ||
| ===Transition to film=== | ===Transition to film=== | ||
| Her feature-film debut was in '']'' (1967). She soon became one of the most recognizable |
Her feature-film debut was in '']'' (1967). She soon became one of the most recognizable supporting actresses in film and television. She usually played sympathetic characters, though she played a variety of other character types, including earthy, vulgar and sassy, but occasionally "with a heart of gold". A year after her feature-film debut, she became a semi-regular on the comedy-variety show '']'', but stayed for only two months. Brennan also appeared in the '']'' episode titled "Blood Relations" (1975). | ||
| Brennan became a favorite of a number of directors, in particular ]. She appeared in Bogdanovich's drama ''The Last Picture Show'' as Genevieve (1971), for which she received a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actress.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Films in Review |volume=37 |page=21 |year=1986 |publisher=Then and There Media, LCC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ah1CAQAAIAAJ&q=Eileen+Brennan,+as+Genevieve,+the+waitress,+has+echoes+of+man |title=The Last Picture Show (1971)}}</ref> | |||
| In 1972, Brennan appeared in an '']'' episode, "The Elevator Story" (1972), as Angelique McCarthy, followed by a role as brothel madam Billie in ]'s Academy Award-winning film '']'' (1973) as the confidante of con man Henry Gondorf (]). In 1974, she reunited with director Bogdanovich, appearing in his adaptation of the ] novella '']''. Bogdanovich was the only director who made use of her musical talents ( |
In 1972, Brennan appeared in an '']'' episode, "The Elevator Story" (1972), as Angelique McCarthy, followed by a role as brothel madam Billie in ]'s Academy Award-winning film '']'' (1973) as the confidante of con man Henry Gondorf (]). In 1974, she reunited with director Bogdanovich, appearing in his adaptation of the ] novella '']''. Bogdanovich was the only director who made use of her musical talents (save for The Cheap Detective; and she sang in performances off Broadway) when he cast her as ]'s crude, fun-loving maid in his musical flop '']'' (1975) (which also starred ]; Brennan and Kahn worked together in two more films: '']'' and ''Clue''). | ||
| Brennan also worked with director ] and writer ], appearing in '']'' as Tess Skeffington (1976) and also appearing in '']'' (1978). Both of these movies also starred ], ] and ]. She had a starring role, playing the disc jockey Mother in the film '']'' (1978), a comedy-drama about life at a rock-music radio station. | Brennan also worked with director ] and writer ], appearing in '']'' as Tess Skeffington (1976) and also appearing in '']'' (1978). Both of these movies also starred ], ] and ]. She had a starring role, playing the disc jockey Mother in the film '']'' (1978), a comedy-drama about life at a rock-music radio station. | ||
| Line 51: | Line 52: | ||
| ===Later roles=== | ===Later roles=== | ||
| Brennan guest-starred on two '']'' episodes, "Old Habits Die Hard" (1987) and "Dear Deadly" (1994), and in 1987, she also appeared in the '']'' episode "The Love That Lies". In the 1990s, she appeared in '']'' with ], Bogdanovich's '']'' (the sequel to ''The Last Picture Show''), and '']''. She had a recurring role on the sitcom '']'' as the neighbor/confidante of the title character. She also appeared opposite ] in a segment of '']'', an anthology film about gay men in America.<ref>{{cite |
Brennan guest-starred on two '']'' episodes, "Old Habits Die Hard" (1987) and "Dear Deadly" (1994), and in 1987, she also appeared in the '']'' episode "The Love That Lies". In the 1990s, she appeared in '']'' with ], Bogdanovich's '']'' (the sequel to ''The Last Picture Show''), and '']''. She had a recurring role on the sitcom '']'' as the neighbor/confidante of the title character. She also appeared opposite ] in a segment of '']'', an anthology film about gay men in America.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Polished-but-uneven-Boys-Life-2-3131960.php |newspaper=] |title=Polished but uneven "Boys Life 2' |first=David |last=Armstrong |date=March 7, 1997 |access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> | ||
| In 2001, she made a brief appearance in the horror movie '']'', and the following year starred in the ] film '']'', with ]. In recent years, Brennan had guest-starred in television, including recurring roles as the nosy Mrs. Bink on '']'' and as gruff-acting coach Zandra on '']''. In 2003, director ] cast her in a cameo role of a babysitter to ] and ]'s children in an updated remake of '']''. Levy was inspired to cast Brennan after seeing ''Private Benjamin'' on television. However, Brennan's cameo was deleted from the actual cut of the movie. Nonetheless, she did receive credit for her role on the deleted scenes special feature of the film's DVD. In 2004, she appeared in the horror film '']'' as Joan Van Etten. That same year, Brennan was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Zandra,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/eileen-brennan|title=Eileen Brennan| |
In 2001, she made a brief appearance in the horror movie '']'', and the following year starred in the ] film '']'', with ]. In recent years, Brennan had guest-starred in television, including recurring roles as the nosy Mrs. Bink on '']'' and as gruff-acting coach Zandra on '']''. In 2003, director ] cast her in a cameo role of a babysitter to ] and ]'s children in an updated remake of '']''. Levy was inspired to cast Brennan after seeing ''Private Benjamin'' on television. However, Brennan's cameo was deleted from the actual cut of the movie. Nonetheless, she did receive credit for her role on the deleted scenes special feature of the film's DVD. In 2004, she appeared in the horror film '']'' as Joan Van Etten. That same year, Brennan was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Zandra,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/eileen-brennan |title=Eileen Brennan |website=Television Academy |access-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> ]'s caustic drama teacher, on ''Will & Grace''. | ||
| ==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
| From 1968 to 1974, Brennan was married to British poet and photographer David John Lampson, with whom she had two sons: ], a former basketball player turned actor, and Sam, a singer.<ref name=olsen/> | From 1968 to 1974, Brennan was married to British poet and photographer David John Lampson, with whom she had two sons: ], a former basketball player turned actor, and Sam, a singer.<ref name=olsen/> | ||
| In 1982, Brennan was hit by a passing car in ] while leaving a restaurant with ] and suffered massive injuries.<ref name=olsen/> She took two years off work to recover and had to overcome a subsequent addiction to painkillers.<ref>{{cite |
In 1982, Brennan was hit by a passing car in ] while leaving a restaurant with ] and suffered massive injuries.<ref name=olsen/> She took two years off work to recover and had to overcome a subsequent addiction to painkillers.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20090502,00.html| title=Out of Her Horrid Accident and the Drug Addiction That Followed, Eileen Brennan Finds a Prescription for Life| first=Deirdre| last=Donoghue| magazine=]| date=April 22, 1985| access-date=October 8, 2011}}</ref> She also fell from the stage in 1989 during a production of '']'', breaking a leg. The following year, she was diagnosed with ], for which she was successfully treated.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news| title=Eileen Brennan dies at 80; Oscar-nominated 'Private Benjamin' star| first=Mark| last=Olsen| date=July 30, 2013| access-date=September 11, 2016| newspaper=]| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-eileen-brennan-20130731,0,1490124.story}}</ref> | ||
| ==Death== | ==Death== | ||
| Brennan died at her home in ], on July 28, 2013, of ].<ref name=THR>{{cite news| title=Actress Eileen Brennan Dies at 80| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/actress-eileen-brennan-dies-595503| |
Brennan died at her home in ], on July 28, 2013, of ], aged 80.<ref name=THR>{{cite news| title=Actress Eileen Brennan Dies at 80| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/actress-eileen-brennan-dies-595503| magazine=]| last=Barnes| first=Mike| date=July 30, 2013| access-date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> Her ''Private Benjamin'' co-star Goldie Hawn said she was a "brilliant comedian, a powerful dramatic actress and had the voice of an angel".<ref name="SFGate">{{cite news| title=Eileen Brennan Dead: 'Private Benjamin' Actress Dies Aged 80| work=]| date=July 31, 2013| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/31/eileen-brennan-private-benjamin-goldie-hawn_n_3681208.html| access-date=September 22, 2015}}</ref> Actor, writer and director ], Brennan's co-star in ''Clue'', called Brennan "a brilliant actress, a tough and tender woman and a comic angel".<ref name=THR/> | ||
| ==Filmography== | ==Filmography== | ||
| Line 156: | Line 157: | ||
| | Captain Doreen Lewis | | Captain Doreen Lewis | ||
| | Nominated—] | | Nominated—] | ||
| |- | |||
| | 1981 | |||
| ⚫ | | ''Incident at Crestridge'' | ||
| | Sara Davis | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1981 | | 1981 | ||
| Line 316: | Line 321: | ||
| {| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! |
! Year | ||
| ! Title | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ! Role | |||
| ! Lead Actress | |||
| ! class="unsortable"| Notes | ! class="unsortable"| Notes | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| Line 384: | Line 389: | ||
| | '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| | Mrs. McKenzie | | Mrs. McKenzie | ||
| | Episode: "Thy Boss's Wife"<br>Nominated—] | | Episode: "Thy Boss's Wife"<br />Nominated—] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1981–1983 | | 1981–1983 | ||
| | '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| | Captain Doreen Lewis | | Captain Doreen Lewis | ||
| | 37 episodes<br>]<br>]<br>Nominated—]<br>Nominated—] <small>(1982-1983)</small> | | 37 episodes<br />]<br />]<br />Nominated—]<br />Nominated—] <small>(1982-1983)</small> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1982 | | 1982 | ||
| Line 424: | Line 429: | ||
| | '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| | Corinne Denby | | Corinne Denby | ||
| | 2 episodes<br>Nominated—] | | 2 episodes<br />Nominated—] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1990 | | 1990 | ||
| Line 439: | Line 444: | ||
| | '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| | Margaret Weston | | Margaret Weston | ||
| | Episode: "Sifting the Ashes"<br>Nominated—] | | Episode: "Sifting the Ashes"<br />Nominated—] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 1992 | | 1992 | ||
| Line 524: | Line 529: | ||
| | '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| | Zandra | | Zandra | ||
| | 6 episodes<br>Nominated—] | | 6 episodes<br />Nominated—] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 2003 | | 2003 | ||
| Line 542: | Line 547: | ||
| ===Sources=== | ===Sources=== | ||
| * {{cite book|first=Dan|last=Dietz|year=2014|title=The Complete Book of 1960s Broadway Musicals|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield| |
* {{cite book| first=Dan| last=Dietz| year=2014| title=The Complete Book of 1960s Broadway Musicals| publisher=Rowman & Littlefield| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6NBiAwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Complete+Book+of+1960s+Broadway+Musicals&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizvO372dWJAxXpM9AFHalDGkwQ6AF6BAgFEAI#v=onepage&q&f=false| isbn=978-1-442-23071-2}} | ||
| * {{cite book|last=Lentz|first=Harris M. |
* {{cite book| last=Lentz| first=Harris M. III| year=2014| title=Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2013| publisher=McFarland| isbn=978-0-786-47665-7}} | ||
| * {{cite book|first=Vince|last=Waldron|year=2011|title=The Official Dick Van Dyke Show Book: The Definitive History and Ultimate Viewer's Guide to Television's Most Enduring Comedy|publisher=Chicago Review Press|edition=revised|isbn= |
* {{cite book| first=Vince| last=Waldron| year=2011| title=The Official Dick Van Dyke Show Book: The Definitive History and Ultimate Viewer's Guide to Television's Most Enduring Comedy| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BCTj8iffkKAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Official+Dick+Van+Dyke+Show+Book&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjn_qyy2dWJAxVuLdAFHZYoMC0Q6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q&f=false| publisher=Chicago Review Press| edition=revised| isbn=978-1-569-76839-6}} | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{sisterlinks|d= Q238919|b=no|wikt=no|s=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|n=no|q=no}} | {{sisterlinks|d= Q238919|b=no|wikt=no|s=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|n=no|q=no}} | ||
| * {{IMDb name |
* {{IMDb name}} | ||
| ⚫ | * {{Tcmdb name}} | ||
| * {{IBDB name}} | * {{IBDB name}} | ||
| * {{iobdb name |
* {{iobdb name}} | ||
| * {{AFI person | 45712-Eileen-Brennan }} | |||
| ⚫ | * {{ |
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| * at the ] | |||
| * | * | ||
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| ] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 16:18, 22 December 2024
American actress and singer (1932–2013)
| Eileen Brennan | |
|---|---|
 Brennan in 1963 | |
| Born | Verla Eileen Regina Brennen (1932-09-03)September 3, 1932 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | July 28, 2013(2013-07-28) (aged 80) Burbank, California, U.S. |
| Education | Georgetown University American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1960–2011 |
| Known for | |
| Spouse |
David John Lampson
(m. 1968; div. 1974) |
| Children | 2; including Patrick Brennan |
Eileen Brennan (born Verla Eileen Regina Brennen; September 3, 1932 – July 28, 2013) was an American actress. She made her film debut in the satire Divorce American Style (1967), followed by a supporting role in Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show (1971), which earned her a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
She gained further critical acclaim for her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in Private Benjamin, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She reprised the role in the television adaptation, winning both a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Brennan starred opposite Peter Falk in two Neil Simon-penned murder mystery spoofs: Murder by Death (1976) and The Cheap Detective (1978). She also appeared in the ensemble cast of the mystery-comedy Clue (1985). She worked prolifically in television, receiving Emmy nominations for her guest roles on Newhart, Thirtysomething, Taxi, and Will & Grace.
Early life
Verla Eileen Regina Brennen was born September 3, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, to Regina Menehan, a former silent film actress, and John Gerald Brennen, a doctor.
After graduating from high school in California, Brennan moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Georgetown University, where she was a member of the Mask and Bauble Society. She later relocated to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she was the roommate of Rue McClanahan.
Career
Early work and theatre
Brennan began her acting career while attending university, appearing in Georgetown's stage productions of Arsenic and Old Lace. Her exceptional comic skills and romantic soprano voice propelled her from unknown to star in the title role of Rick Besoyan's off-Broadway tongue-in-cheek musical/operetta Little Mary Sunshine (1959), earning Brennan an Obie Award, and its unofficial sequel The Student Gypsy (1963), on Broadway.
She played Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker at the 1961 Central City Opera Summer Festival in Central City, Colorado directed by Arthur Penn, who had just won a Tony for his direction of the play on Broadway. She went on to create the role of Irene Molloy in the original Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! (1964).
Brennan's work in theatre attracted attention from television producers in California. Carl Reiner, who was seeking an actress to play the role of Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show, flew her from New York to Los Angeles to audition for the part; however, the role was given to Mary Tyler Moore.
Transition to film
Her feature-film debut was in Divorce American Style (1967). She soon became one of the most recognizable supporting actresses in film and television. She usually played sympathetic characters, though she played a variety of other character types, including earthy, vulgar and sassy, but occasionally "with a heart of gold". A year after her feature-film debut, she became a semi-regular on the comedy-variety show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, but stayed for only two months. Brennan also appeared in the Barnaby Jones episode titled "Blood Relations" (1975).
Brennan became a favorite of a number of directors, in particular Peter Bogdanovich. She appeared in Bogdanovich's drama The Last Picture Show as Genevieve (1971), for which she received a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actress.
In 1972, Brennan appeared in an All in the Family episode, "The Elevator Story" (1972), as Angelique McCarthy, followed by a role as brothel madam Billie in George Roy Hill's Academy Award-winning film The Sting (1973) as the confidante of con man Henry Gondorf (Paul Newman). In 1974, she reunited with director Bogdanovich, appearing in his adaptation of the Henry James novella Daisy Miller. Bogdanovich was the only director who made use of her musical talents (save for The Cheap Detective; and she sang in performances off Broadway) when he cast her as Cybill Shepherd's crude, fun-loving maid in his musical flop At Long Last Love (1975) (which also starred Madeline Kahn; Brennan and Kahn worked together in two more films: The Cheap Detective and Clue).
Brennan also worked with director Robert Moore and writer Neil Simon, appearing in Murder by Death as Tess Skeffington (1976) and also appearing in The Cheap Detective (1978). Both of these movies also starred James Coco, James Cromwell and Peter Falk. She had a starring role, playing the disc jockey Mother in the film FM (1978), a comedy-drama about life at a rock-music radio station.
In 1980, Brennan received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her role as Goldie Hawn's nasty commanding officer in Private Benjamin. She reprised the role in the television adaptation (1981–1983), for which she won an Emmy (supporting actress) as well as a Golden Globe (lead actress). She had one additional Golden Globe nomination and six Emmy nominations. Brennan received an Emmy nomination for her guest-star role in the Taxi episode "Thy Boss's Wife" (1981).
In 1985, Brennan portrayed the iconic Mrs. Peacock in the Paramount Pictures adaptation of Clue.
Later roles
Brennan guest-starred on two Murder, She Wrote episodes, "Old Habits Die Hard" (1987) and "Dear Deadly" (1994), and in 1987, she also appeared in the Magnum, P.I. episode "The Love That Lies". In the 1990s, she appeared in Stella with Bette Midler, Bogdanovich's Texasville (the sequel to The Last Picture Show), and Reckless. She had a recurring role on the sitcom Blossom as the neighbor/confidante of the title character. She also appeared opposite Vincent D'Onofrio in a segment of Boys Life 2, an anthology film about gay men in America.
In 2001, she made a brief appearance in the horror movie Jeepers Creepers, and the following year starred in the dark comedy film Comic Book Villains, with DJ Qualls. In recent years, Brennan had guest-starred in television, including recurring roles as the nosy Mrs. Bink on 7th Heaven and as gruff-acting coach Zandra on Will & Grace. In 2003, director Shawn Levy cast her in a cameo role of a babysitter to Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt's children in an updated remake of Cheaper by the Dozen. Levy was inspired to cast Brennan after seeing Private Benjamin on television. However, Brennan's cameo was deleted from the actual cut of the movie. Nonetheless, she did receive credit for her role on the deleted scenes special feature of the film's DVD. In 2004, she appeared in the horror film The Hollow as Joan Van Etten. That same year, Brennan was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Zandra, Jack McFarland's caustic drama teacher, on Will & Grace.
Personal life
From 1968 to 1974, Brennan was married to British poet and photographer David John Lampson, with whom she had two sons: Patrick, a former basketball player turned actor, and Sam, a singer.
In 1982, Brennan was hit by a passing car in Venice Beach while leaving a restaurant with Goldie Hawn and suffered massive injuries. She took two years off work to recover and had to overcome a subsequent addiction to painkillers. She also fell from the stage in 1989 during a production of Annie, breaking a leg. The following year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, for which she was successfully treated.
Death
Brennan died at her home in Burbank, California, on July 28, 2013, of bladder cancer, aged 80. Her Private Benjamin co-star Goldie Hawn said she was a "brilliant comedian, a powerful dramatic actress and had the voice of an angel". Actor, writer and director Michael McKean, Brennan's co-star in Clue, called Brennan "a brilliant actress, a tough and tender woman and a comic angel".
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Divorce American Style | Eunice Tase | |
| 1971 | The Last Picture Show | Genevieve | Nominated—BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role |
| 1973 | Scarecrow | Darlene | |
| 1973 | The Blue Knight | Glenda | Television film |
| 1973 | The Sting | Billie | |
| 1974 | Nourish the Beast | Baba Goya | Television Film |
| 1974 | Daisy Miller | Mrs. Walker | |
| 1975 | At Long Last Love | Elizabeth | |
| 1975 | Hustle | Paula Hollinger | |
| 1976 | Murder by Death | Tess Skeffington | |
| 1977 | The Death of Richie | Carol Werner | Television film |
| 1977 | The Great Smokey Roadblock | Penelope Pearson | |
| 1978 | FM | Mother | |
| 1978 | The Cheap Detective | Betty DeBoop | |
| 1979 | When She Was Bad... | Mary Jensen | Television film |
| 1979 | My Old Man | Marie | Television film |
| 1980 | Private Benjamin | Captain Doreen Lewis | Nominated—Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress |
| 1981 | Incident at Crestridge | Sara Davis | |
| 1981 | When the Circus Came to Town | Jessy | Television film |
| 1982 | Pandemonium | Candy's mom | |
| 1983 | The Funny Farm | Gail Corbin | |
| 1985 | Clue | Mrs. Peacock | |
| 1986 | Babes in Toyland | Ms. Piper / Widow Hubbard | |
| 1988 | The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking | Miss Bannister | Nominated—Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress |
| 1988 | Sticky Fingers | Stella | |
| 1988 | Rented Lips | Hotel Desk Clerk | |
| 1988 | Going to the Chapel | Maude | |
| 1989 | It Had to Be You | Judith | |
| 1990 | Stella | Mrs. Wilkerson | |
| 1990 | Texasville | Genevieve Morgan | |
| 1990 | White Palace | Judy | |
| 1991 | Joey Takes a Cab | ||
| 1992 | I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore | Frieda | |
| 1994 | In Search of Dr. Seuss | Who-Villain | Television film |
| 1995 | Reckless | Sister Margaret | |
| 1996 | If These Walls Could Talk | Tessie | Segment "1996" |
| 1997 | Boys Life 2 | Mrs. Randozza | (segment "Nunzio's Second Cousin") |
| 1997 | Changing Habits | Mother Superior | |
| 1998 | Pants on Fire | Mom | |
| 1999 | The Last Great Ride | Pamela Mimi Mackensie | |
| 2000 | Moonglow | ||
| 2001 | Jeepers Creepers | The Cat Lady | |
| 2002 | Comic Book Villains | Miss Cresswell | |
| 2003 | Dumb Luck | Minnie Hitchcock | |
| 2003 | Cheaper by the Dozen | Mrs. Drucker | Scenes deleted |
| 2004 | The Hollow | Ms. Etta | |
| 2005 | Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous | Carol Fields | |
| 2009 | The Kings of Appletown | Coach's blind mother | |
| 2010 | Naked Run | Gram Malone |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | NET Playhouse | Unknown | Episode: "Infancy and Childhood" |
| 1968 | Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In | Performer | 12 episodes |
| 1970 | The Ghost and Mrs. Muir | Paula Tardy | Episode: "Ladies' Man" |
| 1970 | The Most Deadly Game | Alice | Episode: "Photo Finish" |
| 1972 | All in the Family | Angelique McCarthy | Episode: "The Elevator Story" |
| 1972 | McMillan & Wife | Dora | Episode: "Night of the Wizard" |
| 1973 | Jigsaw | Unknown | Episode: "In Case of an Emergency, Notify Clint Eastwood" |
| 1975 | Barnaby Jones | Anita Willson | Episode: "Blood Relations" |
| 1975 | Kojak | Julie Loring | Episode: "A House of Prayer, a Den of Thieves" |
| 1975 | Insight | Carol Harris | Episode: "The Prodigal Father" |
| 1979 | 13 Queens Boulevard | Felicia Winters | 9 episodes |
| 1979–1980 | A New Kind of Family | Kit Flanagan | 11 episodes |
| 1981 | Taxi | Mrs. McKenzie | Episode: "Thy Boss's Wife" Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series |
| 1981–1983 | Private Benjamin | Captain Doreen Lewis | 37 episodes Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (1982-1983) |
| 1982 | American Playhouse | Millworker | Episode: "Working" |
| 1984 | The Love Boat | Helen Foster | 2 episodes |
| 1984–1985 | Off the Rack | Kate Hollaran | 7 episodes |
| 1987 | Magnum, P.I. | Brenda Babcock | Episode: "The Love That Lies" |
| 1987 | Murder, She Wrote | Mariam Simpson | Episode: "Old Habits Die Hard" |
| 1988 | CBS Summer Playhouse | Sioban Owens | Episode: "Off Duty" |
| 1988–1989 | Newhart | Corinne Denby | 2 episodes Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series |
| 1990 | The Ray Bradbury Theater | Mrs. Annabelle Shrike | Episode: "Touched with Fire" |
| 1991 | Blossom | Agnes | 3 episodes |
| 1991 | Thirtysomething | Margaret Weston | Episode: "Sifting the Ashes" Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series |
| 1992 | Home Improvement | Wanda | Episode: "Heavy Meddle" |
| 1993 | Tribeca | Claudia | Episode: "Stepping Back" |
| 1993 | Jack's Place | Dina | Episode: "The Hands of Time" |
| 1993 | Bonkers | Lilith DuPrave | 4 episodes |
| 1993 | Tales from the Crypt | Ruth Sanderson | Episode: "Til Death Do We Part" |
| 1993 | All-New Dennis the Menace | Voice | 13 episodes |
| 1994 | Murder, She Wrote | Loretta Lee | Episode: "Dear Deadly" |
| 1995 | Walker, Texas Ranger | Joelle | Episode: "Mean Streets" |
| 1995 | Thunder Alley | Irma | Episode: "Are We There Yet?" |
| 1996 | ER | Betty | 2 episodes |
| 1996–2006 | 7th Heaven | Gladys Bink | 9 episodes |
| 1997 | Veronica's Closet | Grammy Anderson | Episode: "Veronica's First Thanksgiving" |
| 1998 | Nash Bridges | Loretta Bettina | Episode: "Downtime" |
| 1998 | Mad About You | Inspector No. 10 | Episode: "Cheating on Sheila" |
| 1999 | Touched by an Angel | Dolores | Episode: "The Last Day of the Rest of Your Life" |
| 2000 | The Fearing Mind | Irene's mother | Episode: "Gentleman Caller" |
| 2001–2006 | Will & Grace | Zandra | 6 episodes Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series |
| 2003 | Lizzie McGuire | Marge | Episode: "My Fair Larry" |
| 2003 | Strong Medicine | Evelyn Knightly | Episode: "Coming Clean" |
References
Notes
- "California Birth Index 1905-1995: Verla Eileen Brennen". Family Search. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
- Lentz 2014, p. 44.
- Gates, Anita (July 31, 2013). "Eileen Brennan, Stalwart of Film and Stage, Dies at 80". The New York Times. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
- According to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905–1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. At Ancestry.com
- "Eileen Brennan. Actress. September 3, 1932 - July 28, 2013. Aged 80". The Daily Telegraph. London. July 28, 2013. ProQuest 1417213463.
- "Eileen Brennan Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
- ^ Olsen, Mark (July 31, 2013). "Actress known for tough, soft quality". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
- "Eileen Brennan Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
- Dietz 2014, p. 190.
- Program, 30th Anniversary Central City Festival, The Miracle Worker by William Gibson. (1961).
- "Eileen Brennan: Biography". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
- Waldron 2011, pp. 68–70.
- "The Last Picture Show (1971)". Films in Review. 37. Then and There Media, LCC: 21. 1986.
- Armstrong, David (March 7, 1997). "Polished but uneven "Boys Life 2'". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
- "Eileen Brennan". Television Academy. Retrieved April 7, 2014.
- Donoghue, Deirdre (April 22, 1985). "Out of Her Horrid Accident and the Drug Addiction That Followed, Eileen Brennan Finds a Prescription for Life". People. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
- Olsen, Mark (July 30, 2013). "Eileen Brennan dies at 80; Oscar-nominated 'Private Benjamin' star". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (July 30, 2013). "Actress Eileen Brennan Dies at 80". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
- "Eileen Brennan Dead: 'Private Benjamin' Actress Dies Aged 80". Huffington Post. July 31, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
Sources
- Dietz, Dan (2014). The Complete Book of 1960s Broadway Musicals. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-442-23071-2.
- Lentz, Harris M. III (2014). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2013. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-786-47665-7.
- Waldron, Vince (2011). The Official Dick Van Dyke Show Book: The Definitive History and Ultimate Viewer's Guide to Television's Most Enduring Comedy (revised ed.). Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-569-76839-6.
External links
- Eileen Brennan at IMDb
- Eileen Brennan at the TCM Movie Database
- Eileen Brennan at the Internet Broadway Database
- Eileen Brennan at the Internet Off-Broadway Database
- Eileen Brennan at the American Film Institute Catalog
- Eileen Brennan, Who Played Flinty Captain in Private Benjamin, Dies at 80
- 1932 births
- 2013 deaths
- Actresses from Los Angeles
- American film actresses
- American musical theatre actresses
- American people of Irish descent
- American sopranos
- American television actresses
- Best Musical or Comedy Actress Golden Globe (television) winners
- Deaths from bladder cancer in California
- Georgetown University alumni
- Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners
- Singers from Los Angeles
- 20th-century American actresses
- 21st-century American actresses
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts alumni