Joan Hotchkis, a legendary star of stage and screen who appeared in “The Odd Couple” and “Legacy,” died Sept. 27 at 95.
The thespian reportedly died due to congestive heart failure, her daughter Paula Chambers confirmed in a statement to Deadline.
Born Sept. 21, 1927, in Los Angeles, Hotchkis got her start in show business in 1954 after landing the leading role of Lizzie in “The Rainmaker” at Hollywood’s Players Ring theater. The then-rising star then moved back to New York, where she joined the Actor’s Studio and appeared in various TV commercials and guest spots.
From there, Hotchkis would go on to star in a string of iconic 1950s and 60s soap operas, including “The Secret Storm,” “Bewitched,” “General Hospital,” “Welcome to It” and “My World.”
Her small screen success would continue into the 1970s, during which Hotchkis had parts in “Lou Grant,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Barnaby Jones.” In perhaps her most famous TV role, she appeared on “The Odd Couple” as Dr. Nancy Cunningham, the only steady girlfriend of Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman).
Hotchkis’ talents weren’t limited to the small screen. The dramatist appeared in the movies “The Late Liz” and “Old Boyfriends,” and the Clint Eastwood film “Breezy” (1973), which also starred William Holden. In her final credited role, Hotchkis appeared as Madeleine in the 1993 TV movie “The Disappearance of Christina.”
Also known for her writing prowess, Hotchkis famously penned the thespian bible “Not Acting Please,” and became a playwright with “Legacy” in 1974, which she later adapted into a film of the same name the following year.
Hotchkis is survived by her daughter Paula. Her memorial will be private, but fans can contribute to her memory by donating money to Highways Performance Space.