Elaine Stritch, you will be greatly missed! The legendary showbiz star died today at her home in Birmingham, Michigan at the age of 89. Stritch was a fixture in New York City until just last year, when she left her famous residence at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan to be closer to her family.
The news of the sassy Broadway singer and actress's passing was instantly felt among her colleagues, friends, and fans in Hollywood. Many of them took to social media to express their condolences—from Mia Farrow, who played her daughter in Woody Allen’s September (1987), to her more recent co-star Alec Baldwin, who played her long-suffering son on the hit NBC comedy 30 Rock.
I'm sure that even God is a bit nervous right now.I love you, Elaine.http://t.co/P3wQtnqsmV
— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) July 17, 2014
Famous for her incredible range, Stritch’s career began in the 1940s and lasted for nearly 70 years. She appeared in a slew of films and television shows, but the stage remained the place where she most shined. Whether in musicals, dramas or solo cabaret shows, she attracted audiences to her with her infamous voice and charisma.
One of Stritch’s most memorable appearances was in the Stephen Sondheim musical Company (1970), where she played a cynical society woman, saluting her peers with the anthem "The Ladies Who Lunch." The performance not only garnered her a Tony Award, but it became her signature tune—she went on to sing it in her one-woman show Elaine Stritch at Liberty and at the White House for President Obama. And today it became a refrain for her passing.
Scroll down to see how each star reacted on Twitter.
Here's to the lady who lunched: Elaine Stritch, we love you. May your heaven be a booze-soaked, no-pants solo show at the Carlyle. Thank you
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) July 17, 2014
So saddened by the loss of the legendary Elaine Stritch. http://t.co/0JVFVqSKDq via @nytimes pic.twitter.com/ocxZUQXfpV
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) July 17, 2014
I suspect Elaine Stritch won't know how to rest-in-peace! Iconic entertainer, force of nature, my wonderful movie-mom http://t.co/6HzjbsRwyO
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 17, 2014
God Bless and God Speed ELAINE STRITCH
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) July 17, 2014
Elaine Stritch man. Hell of a performer, spirit and woman. This one really hurts. Today's work is for you ma'am. Crazy love.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) July 17, 2014
What a life! 89 full years. A true legend & one of my all time favorites. R.I.P. #ElaineStritch
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) July 17, 2014
I was lucky enough to see Elaine Stritch's one woman show and meet her. One of a kind and just the wittiest. So sad to hear of her passing.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) July 17, 2014
Ahhh the Ladies who Lunch! Elaine Stritch shall be missed
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) July 17, 2014
RIP Elaine Stritch. You were one of my biggest inspirations growing up. #ladieswholunch
— Beth Behrs (@BethBehrs) July 17, 2014
what will we do now without elaine stritch. such a dark day.
— Isaac Mizrahi (@IsaacMizrahi) July 17, 2014
elaine stritch. a legend. an inspiration. a most fully lived life. for all of the joy you brought so… http://t.co/tQqdYV4Kzw
— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) July 17, 2014
RIP the great Elaine Stritch. Seeing her onstage was so special and memorable.
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 17, 2014