Film, Stage, and TV Star Celeste Holm Dead at 95

Versatile actress Celeste Holm passed away on Sunday. The 95-year-old was in New York when she was pronounced dead in the early hours of the morning. Family and friends were with the accomplished thespian, who had spent the last couple of weeks in the hospital due to dehydration as a result of a fire that had broken out in her Central Park West apartment building. The fire had actually occurred in the residence of actor Robert DeNiro.

Holm, who won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Academy Award for Gentleman's Agreement in 1947, appeared in numerous theatrical films, including the gentle and inspirational film, Come to the Stable, with Loretta Young. She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for her motion picture work and the other for television.

Though noted highly for her movie and stage work, including her role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Holm was equally at home in a number of television roles. Beginning with her own series, Honestly, Celeste! in 1954, she guested, recurred, and/or starred in many series. Among the guest starring appearances were Schlitz Playhouse, Dr. Kildare, The Fugitive, Fantasy Island, Archie Bunker's Place, and Third Watch.

Her regular series roles included 1971's Nancy, Falcon Crest, Promised Land, and The Beat.

She also played the fairy godmother in the TV classic, Cinderella, that featured Stuart Damon and Lesley Ann Warren.

Holm's final role was in the to-be-released film, Driving Me Crazy.

Holm's was an outspoken and independent person. She came into conflict with Fox Studios and was suspended for refusing to perform in productions she did not feel were appropriate. She later bought out her contract and went to work on the stage.

Married five times, Holm's last marriage was to Frank Basile, who was one of those with her when she died. She is survived by two sons.