Lynne Marie Stewart, a well-respected actress who gained fame with her roles in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” passed away on February 21, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. She was 78 years old.
The actress’s death was confirmed by her representative, Bette Smith. According to Smith, Stewart died about two months after the detection of a tumor located between her liver and gallbladder in December 2024.
“She had just finished filming the movie ‘The Dink’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’,” said Smith in a statement. “That was mid-Dec. She was exhausted, so she went to the doc, and to everyone’s shock, she had a tumor between the liver and gallbladder. She went very quickly.”
The unexpected diagnosis came shortly after Stewart completed her final projects. The director of her last film sent a copy to Stewart and her family so they could view her final performance on the day before her passing.
“That was so kind, and it was nice for everyone to see her last work,” added Smith. “Lynne was such a talent. All she cared about was the art, not pay or fame. She was the kindest and most honorable person I have ever known.”
The news of Stewart’s death was initially made public by actress Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson via social media. Peterson posted a heartfelt tribute to her late friend, praising her kindness, humor, and referring to her as the memorable Miss Yvonne from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” Peterson added that Stewart will always be remembered as “the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.”
Stewart, born in Los Angeles, California, in 1946, started her acting career in the early 1970s. Her first screen appearance was in the 1971 film “Drive, He Said.” Her career spanned six decades, and she accumulated nearly 150 credits across film, television, and voice acting.
In the 1970s, Stewart joined the renowned Los Angeles-based improv comedy group The Groundlings. It was here she met Paul Reubens, the creator and actor behind the Pee-wee Herman character, leading to one of her most notable roles.
Stewart first portrayed the character of Miss Yvonne in the 1981 stage production of “The Pee-wee Herman Show” before reprising the role on the CBS television series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” from 1986 to 1990. As Miss Yvonne, she became a fan favorite.
Stewart’s involvement with the Pee-wee universe extended to several related projects, including “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) and “Big Top Pee-wee” (1988). She holds the distinction of being the only individual, apart from Reubens, to appear in all three Pee-wee Herman films and the television series.
Her extensive career includes roles in classic films and television shows such as George Lucas’s “American Graffiti” (1973), “M*A*S*H” (1975-1977), “Laverne & Shirley” (1977-1983), and “Arrested Development” (2004).
In recent years, Stewart was recognized by a new generation of viewers for her recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, mother of Charlie Day’s character, in the long-standing FX/FXX comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” She appeared in 18 episodes of the show from 2005 to 2023.
Upon the news of her death, tributes from former colleagues and co-stars have begun to surface. Mary Elizabeth Ellis, a co-star on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” shared her sentiments on social media, expressing admiration for Stewart’s humor and charm.
Stewart’s death comes less than a year following the death of her longtime friend and colleague Paul Reubens, who passed away in July 2023 following a private battle with cancer. The two maintained a close friendship throughout their careers.
Stewart was also known for her charitable work. Together with Reubens, she was an active participant in the Make-a-Wish Foundation, often appearing in character as Miss Yvonne and Pee-wee to bring comfort to terminally ill children.
Stewart, who never married or had children, is survived by her sister Gayle.