'Night Court' Actress Paula Kelly Dies at 77
Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly has died at the age of 77.
Kelly earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and also co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity.”
You may recognize her from the movie musical Sweet Charity in which she appeared alongside Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera. A true icon in theatre, film, and television, Paula Kelly #YouAreBroadwayBlack ???✊? pic.twitter.com/7VeNv9eu5t
— Broadway Black (@BroadwayBlack) February 9, 2020
Kelly earned a best supporting actress Emmy nod in 1984 for portraying public defender Liz Williams on the first season of NBC’s “Night Court.”
She received another in 1989 for playing her role on the ABC miniseries “The Women of Brewster Place.”
Paula Kelly, the actress, singer and dancer who starred in the film version of ‘Sweet Charity’ and earned an Emmy nomination for her turn on ‘Night Court’, has died https://t.co/H8MMnDryZa
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 10, 2020
Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles’ Ebony Repertory Theatre.
Please say a prayer for my family We lost my aunt Paula Kelly❤️ pic.twitter.com/xBCnOdetwH
— Kyle (@kyleleenorton) February 9, 2020
Kelly made her Broadway debut in the 1964 musical “Something More!” directed by Jule Styne and starring Barbara Cook.
She later shared the stage with Morgan Freeman on Broadway in “The Dozens.”
One of her most important roles was Helene in “Sweet Charity,” which she played onstage in London and then reprised in Bob Fosse’s feature film debut.
Rest in peace, Leggy Peggy.
Or, as I knew you, Betty, the Satin Doll.https://t.co/12amA8hvzf— Marsha Warfield (@MarshaWarfield) February 9, 2020
Farewell to a talented genius, Paula Kelly. She was everything – broadway star, movie star, tv star, dancer, model, there was nothing she couldn’t do. She was also a hardcore jazz fan! She was always hanging out listening to the music. RIP Paula. ??? https://t.co/Pb1HMnDBHo
— Christian McBride (@mcbridesworld) February 9, 2020
Her other film credits include “The Andromeda Strain,” “Top of the Heap” and “Soylent Green.”
Her vast TV credits also include “Santa Barbara,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Kojak” and “The Golden Girls.”
Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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