Mary Pat Gleason, best known for her roles in Mom and A Cinderella Story has died. She was 70.
A prolific working actress, Gleason had 174 acting credits to her name.
ET reports that she died due to uterine cancer, which she initially recovered from in 2015, but the illness had recurred this year.
Her nephew John Brostrom told the publication that his aunt has returned to hospital in April this year where she was unable to have any visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"They took wonderful care of her. It was really bittersweet but her family could not have asked for better care," Brostrom said.
Gleason is survived by a "large, loving extended family" who were so pleased to hear how "loved and respected she was in the Hollywood community."
Gleason's manager confirmed to Variety "she was a fighter to the end."
Some of Gleason's co stars from various projects over the years having been paying tribute to the late actress on social media.
Her Mom co star Allison Janney took to Instagram on Wednesday to pay tribute to Gleason's "kind heart and warm smile."
The I, Tonya actress added: "We said goodbye to Mary Pat Gleason yesterday. She was part of our @mom_cbs family and we loved her so much. She was one of our favorite guest stars. Her kind heart and warm smile will be missed. RIP dear Mary Pat."
Another Mom cast member Mimi Kennedy wrote on Instagram: "I'm sure she was met with Thunderous applause and a great party backstage. My love to you Mary and to your loved ones."
She began her acting career in 1982 with a role in the soap opera Texas.
Here are some essential Mary Pat Gleason roles to remember her by
A Cinderella Story
Gleason had a memorable role in 2004 film A Cinderella Story alongside Hillary Duff as diner waitress Eleanor.
Fans will remember the character was a kind and encouraging support to the protagonist Sam, played by Duff.
Friends
Gleason starred as Nurse Sizemore in the season one episode of Friends title "The One With George Stephanopoulos."
She portrayed a hospital receptionist when Ross (David Schwimmer) was hit in the face with a hockey puck.
Mom
Gleason's final television appearance was on October 24, 2019, in an episode of CBS's Mom. A recurring character on the show, Gleason starred as Mary, an Alcoholics Anonymous member.
Sex and the City
In 2001, Gleason starred in an episode of Sex and the City as sales assistant Lucille in the episode where Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is shopping for clothes for her mother's funeral.
A grieving Miranda snaps when Lucille fusses over trying on bras in a fitting room, only for the older woman to wrap her up in a big comforting hug.
Will & Grace
Gleason starred in four episodes of Will & Grace as different characters, Bridget, a maid, in 2017 and Sally, a homeless woman in 2000.
Desperate Housewives
Gleason played the role of Elenora Butters on long running sitcom Desperate Housewives, appearing in three episodes from 2004 to 2012.
Ms. Butters was an elementary school teacher to twins Porter and Preston Scavo in their first grade.
The Middleman
Gleason starred as Ida in ABC Family series, The Middleman as Ida, the Middleman's android assistant.
Gleason's other noteworthy appearances include Full House, Dear John, Murphy Brown, Empty Nest, L.A. Law, Saved by the Bell, Murder, She Wrote, Step by Step, Suddenly Susan, Family Matters, NCIS: Los Angeles, Up All Night, 1600 Penn, Motive, Baby Daddy, Grey's Anatomy, Partners, Mama's Family and 2 Broke Girls.
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