Eileen Brennan Dies; Award-Winning Actress Was 80

GIST: Eileen Brennan, an acclaimed, veteran actress and
Oscar nominee for her role in 1980's Private
Benjamin, has died, according to reports. She was 80.
Brennan passed away last Sunday at her Burbank,
California, home after a battle with bladder cancer,
her management company confirmed.
"Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love
and respect for Eileen," her family said in a
statement. "She was funny and caring and truly one
of a kind."
"Her strength and love will never be forgotten. She
will be greatly missed by all of us."
Brennan was known for character roles as sassy,
brassy women, the kind with a sandpaper surface but
a light, pure heart.
Brennan appeared in classics like The Sting, The Last
Picture Show and Clue.
She reprised her role as Captain Doreen Lewis in the
television adaptation of Private Benjamin and won an
Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work.
Her career shifted more towards TV, guest-
appearing in hits like ER, Murder, She Wrote, 7th
Heaven and Will & Grace, in recent years.