Lynne Marie Stewart has passed away at the age of 78.
Beloved for her roles in hit shows like Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the news of Stewart’s death was confirmed on Saturday (February 22), by her longtime friend and fellow actress Cassandra Peterson – who is best known for playing Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
“My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynne Stewart’s passing,” Peterson wrote on social media. “One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived.
“The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.’”
A Comedy Icon Remembered
Born on December 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Stewart gained widespread recognition for her role as Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, on Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
The widely-adored children’s show - which aired from 1986 to 1991 - became a cultural phenomenon, with Stewart’s character leaving a lasting impact on fans.
Beyond her time in Puppetland, Stewart was also known for her recurring role as Bonnie Kelly, the mother of janitor Charlie Kelly, in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Her portrayal of Charlie’s hilariously dysfunctional and unpredictable mom made her a fan favorite on the long-running sitcom.
Stewart’s impressive career extended beyond her most famous roles. She had guest spots on popular shows like Good Luck Charlie and Austin & Ally, and appeared in classic TV series like MASH* and Raising Hope. She even had a small role in George Lucas’ American Graffiti (1973).
She was also a voice actor, lending her talents to the animated Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour in 1982.
Beyond her on-screen work, Stewart was an integral part of The Pee-wee Herman Show, the stage production that led to the TV series. Through The Groundlings, she worked closely with comedy legends like Paul Reubens and Phil Hartman, helping shape an era of sketch comedy that influenced generations of performers.
Some fans may also remember Stewart for her roles on shows like Laverne & Shirley, Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales, and The Golden Girls.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
Many in the entertainment world shared their condolences and memories of Stewart. Saturday Night Live alum Laraine Newman, who first met Stewart in the 1970s through the comedy troupe The Groundlings, paid tribute to her former colleague.
“The most beautiful girl in Puppetland has left us,” Newman wrote. “Lynne Stewart was truly an angel and brilliantly funny and an important part of our Groundlings family. As my sister said, ‘If you don’t love Lynne, you’re just wrong.’”
Fans also took to social media to express their sadness.
“Bonnie Kelly was always my favorite secondary character,” one Always Sunny fan wrote on X. “Every scene she was in would never fail to crack me up. There’s so many scenes to pick from but this is one of my favorites. Thank you for the laughs, Lynne Marie Stewart.”
Another fan echoed similar sentiments: “R.I.P. Lynne Marie Stewart. Effervescent and charming on Pee-wee, but my favorite role of hers was Charlie’s Mom on Always Sunny.
A Lasting Legacy
Lynne Marie Stewart leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and unforgettable performances. Whether as Miss Yvonne, Bonnie Kelly, or countless other roles, she brought joy to audiences for decades.
As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Today we lost not only one of the funniest people ever, but one of the most incredibly kind-hearted, warm, generous people in comedy. Some may remember her from Pee-wee’s Playhouse, some from Always Sunny. I will so miss our friend: the delightful, incomparable Lynne Stewart.”
Our thoughts go out to Stewart’s family, friends, and fans at this time.