Olympia Dukakis, Known For 'Moonstruck,' 'Steel Magnolias,' Dies At 89
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, known for her roles in "Moonstruck" and "Steel Magnolias," died Saturday at the age of 89.
Her brother, Apollo, shared the news Saturday in a Facebook post saying, "My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City. After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis."
Dukakis is also known for her roles in "Working Girl" and "Mr. Holland's Opus."
Following the news of her passing, she was praised on social media by Hollywood.
"Olympia Dukakis brought warmth, humor, and wit to the stage and screen for almost 60 years, including a stellar run of unforgettable roles in `Steel Magnolias' `Tales of the City' and `Moonstruck,' for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She will be missed," the Academy of Motion Pictures tweeted Saturday.
"Brilliant, strong, hilarious soul. An actor's actor. Rest In Peace Olympia Dukakis," actor Bradley Whitford tweeted.
"Olympia Dukakis has departed our company. We were Moonstruck by her, as she told us great Tales of the City. A true Steel Magnolia within a more common forest. Ah, what a life force, her later years her best. Rest now among the heavens, Olympia," tweeted actor George Takai.
"RIP to my old Montclair neighbor, beautiful artist and co-founder of the Whole Theater company, Olympia Dukakis," actor Alex Winter tweeted.
"Oympia Dukakis was a great actress who loved the work and loved the theatre. She was the acting teacher who spoke to me (and many, many others) with clarity and humor and NO censor," actor Michael McKean tweeted.
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013 for her work in the live theater.
She is survived by their children Christina, Peter and Stefan.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
