Lynne Marie Stewart ‘Pee Wee’ Star Dies at 78

A Legacy of Laughter and Love

Best known for her role as the glamorous and lovable Miss Yvonne, Lynne Marie Stewart is sadly no more. She was a familiar and talented face in television and film for over five decades.

Her recent passing marked the end of an incredible journey. However, it should be noted that her impact on the entertainment industry remains.

Early Life

Lynne Marie Stewart was born on December 14, 1946, in Lynwood, California. Lynne Marie had a passion for the arts, and she pursued it by attending and majoring in theatre at Los Angeles City College.

There, she formed a lifelong friendship with fellow actress Cindy Williams. Her academic foundation paved the way for her involvement with The Groundlings.

The Groundlings

Lynne Marie Stewart became an early member of The Groundlings in the 1970s. The Groundlings is a renowned Los Angeles-based improvisational and sketch comedy troupe.

During her time at The Groundlings, she worked with future stars such as Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman. This period ended up becoming a significant part of her comedic career.

Film Debut

In 1973, Lynne Marie Stewart appeared in George Lucas’s film, American Graffiti. She portrayed the character of Bobbie, a member of a group of girls who pick up Curt, played by Richard Dreyfuss, in one scene.

The film included notable actors like Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, and Cindy Williams. Stewart’s participation in this iconic movie marked an early milestone in her acting career.

Television Appearances

Lynne Marie Stewart was a versatile actress, without a doubt. She guest-starred on several iconic television series.

On M*A*S*H, she guest-starred in multiple episodes from 1975 to 1977, portraying Nurse Baker and other minor roles. In Laverne & Shirley, she played Barbara, and she also appeared in an episode of Golden Girls.

Introduction of Miss Yvonne

In 1981, Lynne Marie Stewart introduced the character of Miss Yvonne in The Pee-wee Herman Show. This was a stage production created by Paul Reubens.

Miss Yvonne became well-known for her elaborate attire, voluminous hair, and flirtatious demeanor. Stewart perfectly captured the whimsical essence of the show.

Pee-wee’s Playhouse

From 1986 to 1990, Lynne Marie Stewart reprised her role as Miss Yvonne in the CBS children’s television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The show revolved around Pee-wee Herman in his fantastical playhouse.

The playhouse was filled with quirky characters and imaginative adventures. Miss Yvonne was known as the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, a title given to her by other puppet characters.

Miss Yvonne’s Character

Miss Yvonne was characterized by her pastel-colored ballgown with petticoats. She accompanied her signature brunette bouffant hairstyle, becoming a hallmark of her character.

Miss Yvonne’s personality was playful and endearing, bringing whimsy to the show. Her interactions were not just directed toward puppets, but she also interacted with humans, bringing them into her whimsical and playful world.

Film Roles

Lynne Marie Stewart’s film career included roles in American Graffiti (1973), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), and Big Top Pee-wee (1988).

She also appeared in The Running Man (1987), Dunston Checks In (1996), and Bridesmaids (2011). Her versatility spanned genres, showcasing her talent in comedy and drama.

Voice Acting

Lynne Marie Stewart was nothing but versatile. She provided voices for several characters.

These included A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988), a reimagined version of the classic series featuring younger versions of the Mystery Inc. Gang. She also lent her voice to Batman: The Animated Series (1992) in the episode The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne, portraying Violet.

Return to Stage

In 2010, Lynne Marie Stewart made a comeback to the theater stage. She reprised her iconic role as Miss Yvonne in the Broadway revival of The Pee-wee Herman Show.

The production opened at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on November 11, 2010. It was an updated version of the original stage show.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

From 2005 to 2023, Lynne Marie Stewart played the character of Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly’s mother, on the television series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Bonnie is sweet and timid with neurotic tendencies. She has obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as flipping light switches three times. Stewart gave this character her full devotion, and it showed.

Bridesmaids; Appearance

Lynne Marie Stewart portrayed Lillian’s mother in the Bridesmaids’, the 2011 comedy film. Paul Feig directed the film, and it’s celebrated for its fresh take on female friendships and comedic storytelling.

Stewart’s role was a brief one. However, it ended up contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of familial relationships. Her character added the element of emotional resonance.

Recent Projects

Lynne Marie Stewart completed filming for The Dink, an upcoming comedy, in mid-December 2024. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum and includes Jake Johnson in the cast.

Right after filming wrapped up, Stewart felt a great wave of exhaustion take over her. A medical examination revealed a tumor between her liver and gallbladder.

Passing

The beloved actress left this world on February 21, 2025, in Los Angeles at the age of 78. Her death came after a brief illness, including her battle with the tumor and other health challenges.

The actress didn’t get married, and neither did she have any children. Similarly, the entertainment industry was recently shaken by the unexpected loss of Liam Payne, leaving fans mourning.

Tributes

Cassandra Peterson shared her sorrow on Instagram, stating, “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynne Stewart’s passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived.”

Charlie Day expressed his condolences, acknowledging the actress’s talent. Lynne has left a lasting impact and brought joy through her performances, joining the many beloved figures the entertainment world mourned in 2024.

If you have fond memories of Lynne Marie Stewart, share them with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

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