Marcia Strassman, best known for her role in comedy series Welcome Back, Kotter, has died aged 66. The American actress had been battling with breast cancer for seven years when she passed away in her Sherman Oaks, California home over the weekend. Her sister Julie confirmed the sad news, adding that Marcia had been given two-and-a-half years to live but that she had survived much longer.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMarcia Strassman had been battling breast cancer for seven years
Marcia's famous friends paid tribute to the actress, who was also known for her portrayal of Diane Szalinski in the 1989 feature film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and its sequels. "Wanted U2 No, a Funny, Talented Friend Died. Not 4U 2feel sorry 4me, but she died alone, &Energy from U is powerful &Sends 'Marsha Strassman'," Cher wrote on Twitter. Writer and actor Eric Idle also honoured the star online, tweeting: "Very saddened by the news that our lovely friend Marcia Strassman finally lost her long and very brave battle with cancer. We loved her."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMarcia Strassman and John Travolta starred in Welcome Back, Kotter together
Marcia began acting as a teenager and at the age of 15 succeeded Liza Minnelli in the off-Broadway musical Best Foot Forward. After a brief hiatus she returned to the craft and landed her first major gig on hospital TV series M*A*S*H, adopting the role of nurse Margie Cutler. The New York-born star found fame as Julie Kotter on Welcome Back, Kotter, starring alongside then-newcomer John Travolta. She then made guest appearances on Time Express, The Rockford Files, The Love Boat and other prime time dramas in the Seventies.
Marcia was also a recording artist and her debut single The Flower Children was a top-40 hit in West Coast states.
