Lauretta FELDMAN Obituary

FELDMAN, Lauretta Sullivan (74), widow of British comedy writer, actor and comedian, Marty Feldman, died March 12 in her home in Studio City, California after a short illness. Lauretta was born September 29, 1935 in Bristol, England to James and Nellie Sullivan and married comedy television writer, Marty Feldman in 1959. Marty created a career on British radio and television as a writer and performer in his own series before arriving in Los Angeles to pursue further opportunities. His success continued as he starred in such blockbuster movies as "Young Frankenstein," "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," "Silent Movie" and directed and starred in "The Last Remake of Beau Geste." Lauretta was always at Marty's side, lending support and advice as he forged his career. In 1982, Marty died of a heart attack while on location in Mexico during the making of a film.
Lauretta, a patron of the arts, opened her house to the large expatriate British community, singers, musicians and other friends, including jazz greats of the time. On any given evening, wonderful jazz and entertainment would be performed by her friends, Harry Nilsson, Van Dyke Parks, Brenda Vaccaro and others. In later years, Lauretta, affectionately becoming the doyenne, could be seen at Largo, Mark Flanagan's Los Angeles nightclub cabaret, encouraging and befriending the young artists who performed at the club. She leaves behind her dear friends, Ann Levy, Marsha Clark, Mark Flanagan, Jon Brion, Paul Thomas Anderson, Julian Holloway, Stanley Dorfman, Stan Schneider and many others whom she considered her extended family. She is survived by her loving brother, Anthony Sullivan of London, England.