Suzanne Pleshette (1937-2008)

Sadly Suzanne Pleshette, former co-star of the 1970s sitcom series The Bob Newhart Show, passed away last night of respiratory failure. She was only 70 years old. She had lung cancer and had undergone chemotherapy in 2006.

Suzanne Pleshette had a long career on stage and the big screen but will probably be best remembered for her role on The Bob Newhart Show, airing on CBS from 1972 - 1978. She played Emily Hartley, the wife of a Chicago psychiatrist (played by Bob Newhart).

As a child, I remember loving this show. It would air right after The Mary Tyler Moore Show on Saturday nights. It was a time that I got to stay up late and be with my family as we all watched TV together. My parents, in particular, would just howl at this well written comedy. I remember hearing some of the "adult" jokes and pretending not to understand, but much of the time I did. This block of television entertainment on Saturday nights was the "must-see" TV of the 1970s. It was truly a special time and will probably never be repeated.

To a younger generation, Suzanne Pleshette was known as Karen Walker's mother on Will & Grace. She guest-starred on three episodes of the hit sitcom.

Suzanne Pleshette was part of a comedy team that brought joy and laughter to thousands of people. That's what folks like her do, they entertain us and let us forget real life if only for a short time. Suzanne Pleshette will be sorely missed.