Louise Lasser, star of ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’, dies at 87
Louise Lasser, the Emmy-nominated actress best known for starring in the groundbreaking satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, has died at the age of 87 at her home in New York City.
Louise Lasser, the Emmy-nominated actress best known for her starring role in the influential 1970s television satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, has died. She was 87.
Emmy-nominated actress Louise Lasser dies
According to multiple US media reports, Lasser died of natural causes at her home in Manhattan, New York, on July 6.
Lasser rose to prominence in 1976 when she took on the title role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, a satirical soap opera created by television legend Norman Lear. The series became a cultural phenomenon for its unconventional humour and sharp commentary on American life, with Lasser's portrayal of the anxious and often bewildered Mary Hartman earning widespread acclaim. The performance also brought her an Emmy nomination and cemented her status as one of television's most distinctive performers.
Born in New York City in 1939, Lasser began her career on Broadway before moving into film and television. She also became known for her work in several early films directed by Woody Allen, including Take the Money and Run and Bananas. The pair were married from 1966 until 1970 but continued to collaborate professionally after their divorce.
Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, Lasser appeared in numerous television series, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi and Girls. She also earned recognition as a producer, winning a News and Documentary Emmy in 2017 for the documentary I Am Evidence.
Tributes from fans and colleagues began pouring in following news of her death, with many remembering her contribution to one of the most innovative television programmes of the 1970s. Her portrayal of Mary Hartman remains one of the defining performances of the era and continues to be celebrated for its originality and influence on television storytelling.
Lasser is survived by her longtime partner, Michael Citriniti.
About the Author
Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.
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