M*A*S*H actress Eileen Saki has died aged 79.
The actress, who was known for her role on the famous show as bar owner Rosie, the boss of Rose’s Bar, died in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer, TMZ reported.
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Her co-star from the ’70s comedy, Jeff Maxwell, confirmed the news of her passing on his podcast as he paid tribute to the star.
He said: “Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie. 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.”
He added: “She read every email and responded to as many as she could. Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How we will miss you.”
Sharing the news on his official podcast, MASH Matters Podcast, he said they will be sharing memories of her throughout the way and encouraged fans to get involved.
Sources told TMZ that she died on Monday in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer.
She was later described as a “special woman” who “captivated you with a twinkle and smile in her soul”.
As news of her passing spread online, fans rushed to share their love for the actress as one user wrote: “Sayonara Rosie! I’ll be having a drink in your honour tonight!”
Another wrote: “Rest in peace and God Bless, Eileen Saki. Your work on MASH brought a lot of smiles! Praying for her family and all those mourning her passing.”
While a third simply wrote: “RIP Eileen, thank you for the memories.”
Eileen appeared in the popular US show from seasons 4 to 10 and later appeared on various other shows including Good Times, Gimme a Break and Without a Trace.
(Image: Facebook/mashmatterspodcast)
She also featured in films Splash and Policewomen.
Eileen lived a quiet life after the initial launch of her acting career and continued answering fan mail and living with her husband, Bob Borgen.
The star has been remembered as her beloved character but also a “gracious, funny, engaging, insightful and adorable” woman to speak to, after appearing on the MASH Matters podcast.
Tributes have continued to flood in for the favourite, and longest running, Rosie actress.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
