Lynne Marie Stewart, best known for her iconic portrayal of Miss Yvonne in Pee-wee’s Playhouse and for her role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has passed away at the age of 78, Variety reported.
Stewart became a beloved figure through her role as Miss Yvonne in the Pee-wee franchise, appearing in The Pee-wee Herman Show (1981), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986–1990), Big Top Pee-wee (1988), Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1988), and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016).
Several celebrities mourned Stewart’s passing, including Elvira star Cassandra Peterson, who paid tribute to her on Instagram. Peterson recalled meeting Stewart at The Groundlings in Los Angeles and working together on Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and The Elvira Show (1993).
“My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing,” Peterson wrote on Instagram. “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.'”
View this post on Instagram
Born on December 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Stewart was part of The Groundlings in the 1970s, where she met Paul Reubens, Phil Hartman, and Cassandra Peterson.
Beyond her role as Miss Yvonne, she was also recognized for playing Bonnie Kelly, the loving mother of lead character Charlie Kelly—portrayed by Charlie Day—in the hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She first appeared as Bonnie in the show’s debut season in 2005 and made her final appearance in its 16th season in 2023.
Stewart’s film credits include American Graffiti (1973), Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986), The Running Man (1987), Rain Man (1988), Clear and Present Danger (1994), and Bridesmaids (2011), according to Variety.
