Tuesday, July 30, 2013
'Private Benjamin' actress Eileen Brennan dies aged 80
By Piya Sinha-Roy
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American actress Eileen Brennan, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in 1980 film "Private Benjamin," has died from bladder cancer. She was 80.
Los Angeles-born Brennan died on Sunday at her home in Burbank, a Los Angeles suburb, surrounded by her family, said Kim Vasilakis, a media representative for the actress. Brennan was suffering from bladder cancer, she said.
"Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and respect for Eileen," Brennan's family said in a statement. "She was funny and caring and truly one of a kind. Her strength and love will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed by all of us."
Brennan earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination in 1981 for her role as U.S. Army Captain Doreen Lewis in the comedy "Private Benjamin," starring alongside Goldie Hawn.
She reprised the role of Doreen in the TV adaptation of the film from 1981 to 1983, for which she won an Emmy award and a Golden Globe.
The actress also appeared in TV series such as "Murder, She Wrote," "7th Heaven" and "Will & Grace," and last appeared in 2011 comedy film "Naked Run."
Brennan is survived by two sons, Sam and Patrick, and two grandchildren.
(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Eric Kelsey and Doina Chiacu)
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