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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Elyse Donalson, a cherished actress who passed away at the age of 78. Her unexpected death occurred on Wednesday at her residence in Studio City, as confirmed by her sister, Harriette Meyer, to the Hollywood Reporter. Elyse’s illustrious career spanned over two decades, leaving a lasting impact on both television and film.
The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. One admirer recalled her unforgettable line, “How does it feel to be damned?” delivered to Paul Rudd, expressing their sorrow with, “May she rest in peace.” Another simply tweeted, “RIP Elyse,” while a third conveyed their grief with a tearful emoji.
Donalson’s filmography boasts a variety of roles, including an appearance in the iconic film, “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.” Her television credits are equally impressive, featuring performances in well-regarded series such as “St. Elsewhere,” “The X-Files,” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
Originally from Texas, Elyse made the pivotal move to Los Angeles in the 1980s, where she quickly became a familiar face on numerous TV shows. Her versatility shone through in series like “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” “Anything But Love,” “Chicago Hope,” “The Practice,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” among others.
In the 1995 film “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers,” Elyse shared the screen with Paul Rudd, portraying a character in a sanitarium who delivers a chilling encounter with Rudd’s Tommy Doyle, just before meeting her fate at the hands of Michael Myers, played by A. Michael Lerner.
Elyse starred as a nun in 1986 on St Elsewhere, a judge in 1988 on Matlock, a nurse in Quantum Leap in 1989 and in the early 2000s she appeared in Jag and The X Files.
She also appeared in a series of TV shows including Our House, Starman, Hardball, Paradise, and Medical Investigation.
Her resume also included 1988’s Man Against the Mob, 1991’s Locked Up: A Mother’s Rage and 1994’s Children of the Dark.
When she wasn’t acting, Elyse worked at various law firms to make ends meet.
The actress is survived by her sister, nieces, Kellie and Kate, her brother-in-law, Jimmie, her great nieces, Madison, Macy and Piper, and her great nephew, Clay.