M*A*S*H actress Eileen Saki dies at age 79 – as co-star leads heartfelt tribute: ‘Our sassy Rosie’
Actress Eileen Saki – known for her role in the iconic show M*A*S*H – has died at the age of 79, it has been confirmed.
Saki was known to fans for playing bar owner Rosie, the boss of Rose’s Bar, in the beloved 1970s comedy.
Her M*A*S*H co-star Jeff Maxwell confirmed the sad news on his podcast.
‘Our dear Eileen. Our sassy Rosie,” he said in a post to the official Facebook page for the podcast.
On behalf of her husband Bob, we express our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of M*A*S*H fans who filled Eileen’s final days with peace, encouragement and love.
“She read every email and answered as many as she could. Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How we will miss you.’
M*A*S*H star Eileen Saki dies at age 79 – as co-star leads heartfelt tribute: ‘Our sassy Rosie’
According to TMZfamily sources confirmed that the veteran actress passed away in Los Angeles on Monday after a battle with cancer.
Saki’s long Hollywood career also included small roles in classic comedy films such as Splash in 1984 and History of the World, Part I in 1981.
Three actresses played the role of Rosie on M*A*S*H for its 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983.
Saki earned the distinction of being the last and longest-running Rosie — a fact Jeff Maxwell acknowledged in another Facebook tribute.
Maxwell – who played soldier Igor Straminsky in the classic series – praised Eileen as an individual, praising her “energy” and lovable charm.