Lynne Marie Stewart, beloved for her portrayal of Miss Yvonne on "Pee-wee's Playhouse," passed away at age 78. The news was shared by her friend Cassandra Peterson, known as Elvira, on social media Friday.
For four decades, Stewart delighted audiences as the perfectly coiffed Miss Yvonne, dubbed "the most beautiful woman in Puppetland." She originated the role in Paul Reubens' 1981 stage show and continued playing the character through multiple iterations, including the Saturday morning TV series (1986-1990), several films, and a 2010 Broadway run.
Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Stewart's path to becoming Miss Yvonne began at the Groundlings comedy troupe in the 1970s, where she first met Reubens. Her acting career spanned over 50 years, starting with her film debut in Jack Nicholson's "Drive, He Said" (1971). She appeared in numerous notable films including "American Graffiti" (1973), "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1986), and "Bridesmaids" (2011).
Stewart's television work was equally impressive, with recurring roles on "Laverne & Shirley" and appearances on classic shows like "MAS*H," "Dynasty," and most recently, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2005-2023).
Her passing follows that of her longtime collaborator Paul Reubens, who died in 2023. Peterson remembered Stewart as "one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived."
Stewart maintained her connection with fans throughout her life, regularly appearing at autograph shows and events as her beloved character Miss Yvonne, complete with her signature bouffant hairstyle and cheerful dress.