It has been confirmed that Eileen Saki has sadly passed away aged 79.
The actress, originally from Japan, was best known for her role on the iconic TV show, M*A*S*H where she played bar owner Rosie.
The show aired from 1972 to 1983 and told the story of patients at the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, an establishment that cared for patients during the Korean War.
According to PEOPLE, Saki died in Los Angeles, California on Monday after battling pancreatic cancer for months prior.
"Eileen Saki passed away peacefully in Los Angeles yesterday, May 1st," her manager Camilla Fluxman Pines said in a statement to the outlet. "She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January."
"She was a lung cancer survivor in 2004," Pines continued. "She got a second chance at auditioning and working in the industry that she loved so much — she shot a couple big commercials shortly before her diagnosis."
"She was often recognized by face or even just voice by people who knew they knew her 'from somewhere' — and loved talking to young actors about the journey," the manager added.
Saki played the character of Rosie M*A*S*H for a total of eight episodes after taking over the role from Frances Fong and Shizuko Hoshi.
Her former co-star on the show who played the role of Pvt. Igor Straminsky, Jeff Maxwell, took to Facebook and Twitter to honor the late star with a touching tribute which was also followed up by a video of the actress' best moments.
"Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie," he said via his M*A*S*H Matters podcast. "On behalf of her husband Bob, we extend sincere appreciation for the hundreds of M*A*S*H fans who filled Eileen's final days with peace, encouragement, and love. She read every email and responded to as many as she could."
"We will share more remembrances of Eileen Saki throughout the day," he added. "You are invited to do the same."
"Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How we will miss you. #GoodbyeFarewellandAmen."
In February 2022, Saki featured on a podcast M*A*S*H Matters with Maxwell, one of the final times the actress sat down for an interview.
Fans of the show also took to Twitter to spread their love for the actress.
"Extremely sad news. Eileen Saki has passed away, deepest love, prayers and thoughts to her whole family," tweeted one user while another added: "RIR #EileenSaki so long Rosie. Pour one out for the #4077s favourite saloon keeper."
A third toasted to the late actress writing: "Here’s to you Rosie. REST IN PEACE Eileen Saki."
Outside of her role on the infamous TV show, Saki also in other projects such as Dr. Fujimoto in the 1984 film Splash alongside Tom Hanks, CHiPs and History of the World: Part I, as per Variety.
Most recently, she also starred in an Uber Eats ad titled 'Good Deeds Happen' with L.A. Rams player Aaron Donald.
Saki is survived by her husband Bob Borgen.
Rest in peace, Eileen Saki. Our thoughts and prayers are with the star's family during this difficult time.
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