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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Oscar-nominee Eileen Brennan has died; view videos from her brilliant career

Actress Eileen Brennan attends the film premiere of "Slap Her She's French" at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on August 28, 2002 in Beverly Hills.
Actress Eileen Brennan attends the film premiere of "Slap Her She's French" at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on August 28, 2002 in Beverly Hills.
(
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
)

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Eileen Brennan, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in films like "Private Benjamin" and "The Sting," passed away on Sunday after battling bladder cancer, according to her publicist. She was 80.

Brennan's publicist, Kim Vasilakis, shared the following statement from her family:

Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and respect for Eileen. She was funny and caring and truly one of a kind.  Her strength and love will never be forgotten.  She will be greatly missed by all of us.

Actor Michael McKean, Brennan's co-star as Mr. Green in the 1985 theatrical interpretation of the board game Clue, tweeted a goodbye:

Brennan's career spanned nearly five decades, and she appeared in more than 120 movies and television shows, including a regular appearance in her later years on the show "Will & Grace," according to IMDb, the Internet Movie Database.

She is survived by her two sons, Sam and Patrick Brennan, the latter of whom appeared in the final installment of the "Twilight" films. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Jessica; sister, Kathleen Howard; and her two grandchildren, Liam and Maggie.

Private Benjamin | I joined the other Army

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Private Benjamin | Captain Lewis

Last Picture Show | Going to Mexico

The Sting | This is a class joint

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Clue | Mrs. Peacock breaks the ice

Clue | Mrs. Peacock was a man?!

Clue | Mrs. Peacock needs a drink

Laugh-In | Song with Cher

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Jeepers Creepers | Cat Lady

The Cheap Detective | La Vie en Rose

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