Emmy-winning actress Eileen Brennan, perhaps best known for her role as Goldie Hawn's commanding officer in the 1980 film "Private Benjamin," has died from bladder cancer at age 80.
"Our family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and respect for Eileen," Brennan's family said in a statement. "She was funny and caring and truly one of a kind. Her strength and love will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed by all of us."
Brennan played Doreen Lewis in both the movie and television versions of "Private Benjamin."
She was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress for the movie role, and won an Emmy award and a Golden Globe for reprising the role in the 1981 to 1983 TV adaptation.
She also played Mrs. Peacock in the 1985 movie "Clue," brothel madam Billie in 1973's "The Sting," and had roles in such films as "The Last Picture Show," " "Murder by Death" and the "Last Picture Show" sequel, "Texasville."
On television, she had recurring roles on such shows as "7th Heaven," "Will and Grace," and "thirtysomething," where she played Elliot Weston's mother, Margaret. She was nominated for a guest-actress Emmy for her "thirtysomething" role.
Brennan is survived by two sons and two grandchildren.
