Photo: CBS
Eileen Saki, best known for playing bar owner Rosie onMAS*H, hasdied. She was 79.
PEOPLE has confirmed the actress died of pancreatic cancer in Los Angeles on Monday.
“Eileen Saki passed away peacefully in Los Angeles yesterday, May 1st,” her manager Camilla Fluxman Pines said in a statement to PEOPLE. “She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January.”
“She was a lung cancer survivor in 2004,” she added. “She got a second chance at auditioning and working in the industry that she loved so much — she shot a couple big commercials shortly before her diagnosis.”
Saki’s former costar Jeff Maxwell, who portrayed Pvt. Igor Straminsky on the CBS series, paid tribute to her in aFacebook postfor hisMASH Matters Podcast.
“Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie,” he shared. “On behalf of her husband Bob, we extend sincere appreciation for the hundreds ofMAS*Hfans who filled Eileen’s final days with peace, encouragement, and love. She read every email and responded to as many as she could.”
“We will share more remembrances of Eileen Saki throughout the day,” he added. “You are invited to do the same.”
Maxwell, 76, also shared avideoof his “favorite Eileen Saki moments, including her recent commercial work, screentime withMickey Rooney&Dom DeLuise, and a scene with a certain sassy bartender.”
OnMAS*H, she played the role of Rosie for eight episodes after taking over the role from Frances Fong and Shizuko Hoshi.
In addition to work onMAS*H— which ran for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983 — Saki had roles onCHiPs, Good Times,Gimme a Break!andWithout a Trace. On the big screen, she also appeared in 1981’sHistory of the World, Part IwithMel Brooksand 1984’sSplashstarringTom Hanks.
She most recently starred inan adfor Uber Eats alongside L.A. Rams player Aaron Donald.
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source: people.com
