Lynne Marie Stewart, the actress best known for her role as Miss Yvonne on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, has passed away at the age of 78. Her career spanned more than five decades, making her a well-loved figure in television and film.
Born on December 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Stewart began her career in the 1970s. She was a member of The Groundlings, an improv and sketch comedy group, where she worked alongside comedians like Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman. Her work with Reubens would later lead to her most famous role as Miss Yvonne, “the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land,” on Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
An Iconic Role as Miss Yvonne
Stewart’s portrayal of Miss Yvonne made her a fan favorite. The character was known for her exaggerated charm, glamorous outfits, and flirtatious personality. She first played the role in The Pee-wee Herman Show, a stage production in the early 1980s, and later reprised it for the popular children's television show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which ran from 1986 to 1991.
Even after the show ended, Stewart continued to bring Miss Yvonne to life in stage revivals, including The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway in 2010. Her connection with the role remained strong, and she was beloved by fans for her energetic and humorous performances.
Beyond "Pee-wee’s Playhouse"
While Pee-wee’s Playhouse made her a household name, Stewart had a diverse acting career. She appeared in numerous TV shows, including:
- MASH*, where she played multiple characters, often as a nurse.
- Laverne & Shirley, as Squiggy’s girlfriend Barbara.
- The Golden Girls and Night Court, with guest roles.
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where she played Bonnie Kelly, the mother of Charlie Day’s character.
She also appeared in several films, including American Graffiti (1973) and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985). Her talent for comedy and ability to bring quirky characters to life made her a standout performer in every role she took on.
A Lasting Legacy
Lynne Marie Stewart leaves behind a legacy of humor and warmth. Her work, especially as Miss Yvonne, continues to be cherished by fans of Pee-wee’s Playhouse and classic television.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her performances and contributions to comedy will be remembered for years to come.