Lynne Marie Stewart

Biography

Lynne Marie Stewart (December 14, 1946 – February 21, 2025) was a celebrated American actress recognized for her vibrant contributions to film and television. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Miss Yvonne, affectionately known as the Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land, a role she first brought to life in the 1981 stage production of The Pee-wee Herman Show. Stewart continued to enchant audiences as Miss Yvonne in the beloved CBS series Pee-wee's Playhouse and reprised her iconic role in the 2010 Los Angeles stage revival and the subsequent Broadway production at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

In addition to her work on Pee-Wee, Stewart showcased her versatility by portraying multiple characters on the classic series M*A*S*H and made memorable guest appearances on shows like Night Court, where she played Vanna Anders, and Laverne & Shirley as the duplicitous Barbara, Squiggy’s girlfriend. Her film credits include roles in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Big Top Pee-wee, as well as appearances on Night Stand with Dick Dietrick and Son of the Beach.

In her later years, Stewart continued to leave her mark on modern television with roles in Law & Order: SVU and Arrested Development, and she was notably cast as Charlie's mom on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Additionally, she featured in a Biography segment highlighting her close friend Cindy Williams, further testament to her rich and varied career.