Louise Lasser, the actress who gained fame as Woody Allen's first leading lady and second wife, and for her starring role in the satirical soap opera 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' died on Monday, July 6, at her home in Manhattan, New York. She was 87. Her friend Susan Charlotte confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the cause was natural causes.
Early Career and Marriage to Woody Allen
Lasser's career began on Broadway in 1962 with the musical 'I Can Get It for You Wholesale.' She met Woody Allen in 1962 on a double date with different partners. They began dating and married in 1966. The marriage lasted four years, ending in divorce in 1970. Allen later revealed that both had cheated during the relationship.
Rise to Fame with 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman'
Lasser's breakthrough role came as the lead in the 1976-77 television series 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.' The show was a low-key but cutting parody of soap operas that skewered American consumerism. For her performance, she earned an Emmy nomination in the 'Special Classification of Outstanding Program and Individual Achievement' category.
Later Roles and Tributes
Younger audiences may recognize Lasser from her recurring role in seasons 3 and 4 of HBO's 'Girls,' where she played the artist Beadie, who spends time with Jemima Kirke's character, Jessa. Her last credited film role was in the 2022 dark comedy 'Funny Pages,' produced by the Safdie brothers.
Following the news of her death, tributes poured in from fans on social media. One fan wrote on X: 'Was there ever a show like "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman"? Rest easy Louise.' Another said: 'awww, RIP Louise Lasser ~ loved her in so mary hartman mary hartman, bananas ... etc, always noticed her in weird little guest spots.'
