Lynne Marta, a talented actress with a career spanning nearly four decades, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. On January 11, Marta lost her battle with cancer in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy in both television and film. Known for her roles in Love, American Style and the iconic film Footloose, Marta was cherished by her friends and fans alike. Her friend, Joan Sobel, described her as a “beautiful light” and expressed her deep sadness at the loss. Marta’s talent as an actress and her angelic singing voice made her truly special, and she will be greatly missed.
The Early Years and TV Career
Lynne Marta was born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, New Jersey. She began her television career in 1966, making appearances in popular shows like Gidget and The Monkees. Throughout the years, Marta continued to leave her mark on the small screen, rarely going without a TV credit until her role in the NBC drama series American Dreams in 2004. One of her notable TV appearances was in the soap opera Days of Our Lives, where she appeared in 24 episodes between 1983 and 2003.
Marta’s talent and versatility allowed her to guest star in numerous television shows across different decades. From the 1960s to the 1990s, she made memorable appearances in Then Came Bronson, Dan August, Cannon, Mod Squad, The Rookies, The F.B.I., Gunsmoke, Marcus Welby, M.D., Kojak, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, ChiPs, Matt Houston, Designing Women, Law & Order, The Young and the Restless, Crossing Jordan, and ER. One of her most significant TV roles was in Starsky and Hutch, where she appeared in four episodes and developed a romantic relationship with David Soul, the show’s star.
Love, American Style and Beyond
As a member of the Love, American Style Players, a group of regulars who appeared in short skits between segments of the comedy anthology series from 1969 to 1974, Marta had already gained familiarity with TV audiences. Her breakthrough in the film industry came in 1972 when she landed a featured role in Clint Eastwood’s Western movie Joe Kidd. However, it was her role as Aunt Lulu Warnicker in the 1984 hit film Footloose that truly showcased her talents. Despite being a supporting role, Marta’s portrayal of Aunt Lulu, a gossip-loving character, left a lasting impression on audiences.
Five years after the success of Footloose, Lynne Marta found herself intertwined with Hollywood history under tragic circumstances. She lived in the same West Hollywood apartment complex as Rebecca Schaeffer, the young actor from My Sister Sam who was tragically murdered by a stalker. Marta, who was a friend and neighbor of Schaeffer, testified against the killer in court, providing crucial eyewitness testimony. Her account of the horrifying events helped ensure that justice was served. Marta’s courage and strength in facing such a traumatic experience revealed her resilience and character.
Lynne Marta’s passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry. Her talent, on-screen presence, and contributions to both television and film will never be forgotten. Through her performances and dedication to her craft, Marta touched the lives of many. A cherished friend to humans and animals alike, she will be incredibly missed. Her sister and loved ones are left to remember her extraordinary life and mourn the loss of a truly remarkable woman. May her legacy continue to inspire future generations of actors and artists.
Leave a Reply