Actor Olympia Dukakis, who died Saturday at age 89, was honored by her “Steel Magnolias” and “Moonstruck” costars.
One of her most memorable performances was in 1989, when Dukakis played spirited Clairee Belcher in the classic “Steel Magnolias” alongside Sally Field and Dolly Parton.
“Even though I didn't get to see her much, I thought of her often and knew that she was such a quality human being. She will be missed by her fans, her family, and those of us that were lucky enough to get to know her personally."
Parton, 75, told “TODAY” that “I was so sorry to hear that Olympia Dukakis had passed away. She has been one of my favorite people that I have ever known or worked with.
“I really got very close to her and felt like we were good friends,” the country legend said. “Even though I didn’t get to see her much, I thought of her often and knew that she was such a quality human being. She will be missed by her fans, her family, and those of us that were lucky enough to get to know her personally.”
“Steel Magnolias,” the play and film, profiles the bond between a group of women when one of them, M’Lynn Eatenton, loses her daughter. M’Lynn is played by Field in the film, who also remembered her late costar this weekend.
“What can I say but I loved her? Everyone loved her,” Field, 74, told “TODAY.” “She was a gift ... unique and talented and one of a kind. Rest in peace, my friend Olympia.”
Cher took to Twitter to remember Dukakis, her costar in “Moonstruck.”
Dukakis was best known for starring in “Steel Magnolias” and her Oscar-winning supporting turn in Norman Jewison’s 1987 film “Moonstruck” that also starred Cher. They both snagged Oscars for their portrayal of a working-class Italian American mother-daughter duo.
“Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing, Academy Award Winning Actress,” Cher, 74, said on Twitter on Saturday, shortly after news of Dukakis’ passing was shared.
Along with directing and acting, Dukakis taught drama at New York University for more than 15 years and was a founding member of The Charles Playhouse and the Whole Theater in New Jersey.
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