Beloved Tony-Winning Star, Frances Sternhagen, Takes Her Final Bow at 93
In a not-so-sad goodbye to a life filled with drama, laughs, and heart, the world says cheerio to Frances Sternhagen, the Tony-winning sensation famous for lighting up Broadway, Cheers, ER, and Sex and the City.
Sternhagen gracefully exited stage left from this world on November 27, 2023, at the impressive age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that’s basically a standing ovation in the hearts of her fans.
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The Social Media Encore
The news of Sternhagen’s grand finale was spilled by her son, John Carlin, in a social media post that tugged at the heartstrings. He spilled the beans that the seasoned actor took her final bow in her New Rochelle, New York, residence, where she’d been the neighborhood’s favorite drama queen.
Tony Talk
Sternhagen’s career was like Broadway and Hollywood had a baby and named it Frances. She snagged not one, but two Tony Awards for her mind-blowing performances. The first one was in 1973 for her gig in Neil Simon’s comedy masterpiece, “The Good Doctor.” Then, she aced it again in 1995 for the revival of “The Heiress,” where she played the widowed Aunt Lavinia like a boss alongside Cherry Jones.
During her Broadway gig, Sternhagen racked up seven Tony nominations, basically telling the world, “I’m not just passing through, I’m here to stay!” Her stage hits even moonwalked onto the big screen, with characters from “On Golden Pond,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and “Steel Magnolias” getting the Hollywood treatment from legends like Katharine Hepburn, Jessica Tandy, and Olympia Dukakis.
TV Time
But wait, there’s more! Sternhagen wasn’t just a Broadway babe; she also rocked the small screen with recurring roles in Cheers (1986–1993) and Sex and the City (2000–2002), earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations. She wasn’t afraid to switch channels either, showing off her acting chops in the TNT series The Closer (2006–2012).
The Love Act
In addition to being a stage and screen sensation, Sternhagen was also a devoted partner to Thomas A. Carlin. They said “I do” in 1956 and waltzed through life together until his final curtain call in 1991. Their love story produced six offspring – four sons and two daughters – creating a family that’s basically the real-life version of a heartwarming sitcom.
Legacy Lights On
With Sternhagen’s final bow, we’re closing the chapter on an era, but her entertainment legacy isn’t dimming anytime soon. As the curtain falls on her extraordinary life, the world is giving her a standing ovation, remembering a true luminary of the stage and screen. Frances Sternhagen, you’re not just an actor; you’re a blockbuster of emotions and a legacy that’s forever on the marquee.
