Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1934

DIED

2017

Ann Wedgeworth Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Actress Ann Wedgeworth, who gained fame on film and Broadway before taking on the role of a flirty divorcee on "Three's Company," has died at age 83.

Wedgeworth died Thursday in the New York area after a long illness, her daughter Dianna Martin said.

Wedgeworth landed her first Broadway role in the 1958 comedy "Make a Million" and continued to take on stage roles for decades. She won the 1978 Tony award for best featured actress in a play for her performance in Neil Simon's "Chapter Two."

She acted in several soap operas and also found success in Hollywood with roles alongside Gene Hackman in the 1973 film "Scarecrow" and Robert De Niro in "Bang the Drum Slowly" the same year.

Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.

But she's perhaps best known for her brief tenure on the TV sitcom "Three's Comedy," where she played Lana Shields, an older woman with her eyes set on her young neighbor Jack, played by John Ritter.

She appeared on only nine episodes of the show before her character was written out, which she said took her by surprise. In a 1980 interview with People, Wedgeworth said she "had no warning or explanation. Suddenly everyone was very cold to me."

Wedgeworth continued to tally TV and film credits for decades, including a starring role on the CBS series "Evening Shade" with Burt Reynolds from 1990 to 1994.

She was born in Abilene, Texas, in 1934. Her father was the superintendent of a local school and her mother died when Ann was 2 years old. After getting a drama degree from Southern Methodist University, she moved to New York City in the 1950s to pursue a theater career.

She married actor Rip Torn and the couple had a daughter, Danae Torn, before ending their five-year marriage in 1961. Wedgeworth later married acting teacher Ernest Martin and had her second daughter, Dianna Martin.

Wedgeworth is survived by her husband, her two daughters and stepsons Michael Martin and Greg Martin.

Written by KAREN MATTHEWS


Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Wedgeworth

Not sure what to say?





55 Entries

April 30, 2018

I just found out that Ms. Wedgeworth died. I always loved her. RIP Ann.

Lola

January 1, 2018

Sweet dreams. Keep an eye on jack and Mr. Firley. Rip

Darla Harrison

December 15, 2017

Ann you will be missed very much

Kathy Blocker

December 9, 2017

She always made me laugh.
She will be missed very much !!

Ms. Manning

December 7, 2017

Rest in peace sweet lady,Jesus is holding you now & forever in his loving arms..

December 7, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

CJ

December 2, 2017

Such an impressive career! She'll be missed by many fans. May the God of all comfort bless the family with strength and peace during this difficult time.

Carolyn Watts

November 27, 2017

My memories of Ms. Wedgeworth were from "Another World" and "Three's Company". She made the characters seem so real. I so enjoyed watching her act. RIP Ms. Wedgeworth

Karen Clark

November 26, 2017

So sorry for your loss. I have known who Ann was almost all my life. My Nana used to watch her on Another World and Another World, Somerset. I loved her as Patsy Cline's mother and as Aunt Fern in Steel Magnolias. She was a familiar face to me in many other shows. She was a wonderful character actress. May she Rest In Peace. Sincerest condolences to her family.

Thomas Brooks

November 25, 2017

Ann was always such a delightful actress to watch on tv and in the movies.
Especially remember her in "Sweet Dreams".
May God bless !

Eileen

November 25, 2017

She'll always be Lahoma from Another World. Rest In Peace.

Diana Howland

November 24, 2017

Rest in peace my friend I am enjoyed you for many years on television and I always admire you you're whit and your kindness to everyone around you you will be missed

Marie Engel

November 24, 2017

So sorry to read of her passing. I remember her from different TV shows. She was a good actress with a flair for comdedy.
Condolences to all her family and friend.

Susan Wydra

November 22, 2017

With all of her prime-time exposure in later years..it was her part on a soap-opera in the mid to late 60's that used to crack me up.
I had a short time when I could actually see daytime TV..her husband "Sammy" was saddled with this woman from the other side of the tracks..and her phony southern accent turned out to be real. Who knew?
Loved her ..she was a real character. RIP

November 21, 2017

Sorry for the death of a person that made me laugh in Three's Company. Hoping that the family finds comfort in Psalm 13:3.

November 21, 2017

Offering sincere condolences to your family. May God's promise of comfort and support help you to endure this difficult time. Isa.40:29,41:10,13.

November 21, 2017

Sorry for your love , may the family find comfort and peace during this diffcut time of loss through the promise God's has given us .- John 6:40

Betty Armour

November 21, 2017

So sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. Death is never easy regardless of ones age but Psalms 90: 10 shows how she lived a long life of special mightiness from God. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief as you keep her many, many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever.

November 21, 2017

Truly saddened to hear about Ann Wedgeworth's passing. Her fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet her in Paradise! Luke23:43

Diana

November 20, 2017

Our condolences to the family. May the God of comfort provide support for the family during this time of sadness.

G. Freeman

November 20, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

November 20, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

November 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ann

November 20, 2017

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Ms Ann. May God grant solace to the family during this most challenging time. Ann was truly amazing and accomplished lady of integrity. She will be truly missed. I grew up watching Ann on TV, what a delightful person she was.
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of one of my favorite actress. Sending my love and prayers to her family and friends. There will never be another Ann Wedgeworth!

November 20, 2017

My condolences to the Family and friends. Great actress, she will be missed. May you find comfort in God's word, for he promises he will sustain you during this time of grief.

lsa

November 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Marg

November 19, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

November 19, 2017

I will always remember Ann as Lahoma on, I think it was Another World, and also on Three's Company. RIP, Ann.

Scott Chamberland

November 19, 2017

Rest in Peace

November 19, 2017

With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.

Ralphie Furley

November 19, 2017

Sorry to hear of your passing. You were great in "Threes Company" alongside John Ritter, Susanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt. Rest In Peace.

Harry Simpson

November 19, 2017

Godspeed Ann, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jennifer Petra Potter

November 19, 2017

RIP Watched her on Another World.

November 19, 2017

We loved her in EVERYTHING, especially "Sweet Dreams" and "No Small Affair". She was a gem and will be truly missed!

Lynn Bure

November 19, 2017

I'll always remember her as Lahoma. Rest in peace!

November 19, 2017

To the Wedgeworth family, may the God of all comfort sustain you at this time of such great loss.

Barbara

November 19, 2017

Such a beautiful lady. Wonderful actress. Love to her family.

November 19, 2017

May the wonderful memories the family and friends share bring comfort during this time of loss. Proverbs 17:17

Chianti

Char

November 19, 2017

Remember her most for her character of Lahoma Lucas on "Another World" in the 60s...tough, but kind-hearted. RIP Ann.

November 19, 2017

Saddened to hear of Ann's death. Deepest condolences to family and friends.

November 19, 2017

I enjoyed her soap opera performances and Three's Company and if I'm not mistaken,The Love Boat. A very beautiful lady and I really liked her voice.May she rest with the angels . Condolences to her loved ones. J.Lewis

L W

November 19, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hears your cries and send peace and comfort your way. (Psalms145:18,19

Cynthia

November 19, 2017

I remember your mom/wife first on a soap opera my mom used to watch . I thought oh! She is so sexy and beautiful ! I loved her southern accent too! I wanted to be like her. I also thought she looked a lot like another beauty, Bobbie gentry. I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom too and it is a very difficult time . May God Bless you all and give you great strength at this most difficult time . Ann you were a great actress and a great lady!, May God keep you in His care.❤

DANNA BERTUCCI

November 19, 2017

You were ALWAYS A pleasure to watch on THERE'S COMPANY. ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS. MY CONDOLENCES TO ANN WEDGEWORTHS' LOVED ONES , SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS.

D F

November 19, 2017

Comfort from knowing that God feels for us when we suffer.Zechariah 2:8.

Dwayne Bickham, Sr.

November 19, 2017

In God's care, rest in peace.

Frank Gulino

November 19, 2017

I was a fan of this wonderful actress, and she was kind enough to give me an autograph after one of her superb performances in Thieves on Broadway. Years later, I was honored to represent her in a legal matter and to obtain the relief that she and her husband, Ernie Martin, had asked for. I will never forget her kindness, her talent and her beauty, inside and out. I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Martin and to all of Ann's family.

November 19, 2017

Loved her in the movie, Green Card. Classy lady.

Cathy Wagner

November 19, 2017

Rest in Peace, "Bootsie" !!!

margaret

November 18, 2017

I remember seeing her on a sop opera that I watched and I always loved her. So sorry for your loos.

Kathleen

November 18, 2017

RIP pretty lady ❤ I loved her on Roseanne as Dans mom. Prayers to the family.

Lisa Weiner

November 18, 2017

To Ann Wedgeworth,
You were a very talented actress. You did a great job playing Lana Shields on the comedy series Three's company. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner

Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results

Make a Donation
in Ann Wedgeworth's name

How to support Ann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ann Wedgeworth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored