The Emmy-winning actress, who played Felicity Huffman's mother on the series, passed away from natural causes on Saturday, September 20.
- Sep 22, 2014
AceShowbiz - Polly Bergen, who starred as Stella Wingfield on "Desperate Housewives", died of natural causes at the age of 84 on Saturday, September 20 at her home in Southbury, Connecticut. Polly, who was born Nellie Paulina Burgin on July 14, 1930, had battled emphysema in the late 1990s, a result of 50 years of smoking.
Her publicist, Judy Katz, confirmed the sad news in a statement, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary actress and long-time friend and client, Polly Bergen. She died peacefully at her home in Southbury, Conn. this morning at 11.10am, surrounded by her family, long-time personal manager, Jan McCormack and close friends."
"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane paid tribute to Polly via Twitter, "RIP Polly Bergen-- loved her as Rhoda Henry. #TheWindsOfWar." Meanwhile, director John Carpenter simply wrote, "Good bye to the awesome Polly Bergen."
Polly began her career in the 1950s, working along with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in "At War With the Army", "That's My Boy" and "The Stooge". She won an Emmy Award in 1958 for her portrayal of singer Helen Morgan on "Playhouse 90". Polly was later nominated for another Emmy for best supporting actress in a miniseries for "War and Remembrance" in 1989. Her role on "Desperate Housewives" also earned her an Emmy nomination.
Her other big screen works included 1962's "Cape Fear", 1964's "Kisses for My President" and 1990's "Cry-Baby". Meanwhile, her TV appearances included "The Sopranos" and "Commander in Chief".
Polly is survived by three children and three grandchildren.
