Departures of note

Louise Lasser was an American actress, television writer, and performing arts teacher renowned for her portrayal of the neurotic title character in the groundbreaking television satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Born in New York City on April 11, 1939, Lasser began her career in off-Broadway productions and commercials before gaining prominence in the 1960s. She married director Woody Allen in 1966 and appeared in several of his early films, including Take the Money and Run, Bananas, and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex*. Her performance in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman made her a household name and earned her an Emmy nomination. Beyond her television fame, Lasser had a prolific film career, appearing in works such as Happiness, Crimewave, and Requiem for a Dream. She also taught acting at HB Studio and directed Off-Off-Broadway productions. Known for her intense and often neurotic screen persona, Lasser was celebrated for bringing depth and authenticity to her roles. She passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 87.