Marcia Strassman Dead at 66: Actress Starred in Welcome Back Kotter and Honey I Shrunk the Kids

Talented actress passed away after a long battle with breast cancer

By Mike Vulpo Oct 26, 2014 11:53 PMTags
Marcia Strassman Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Actress Marcia Strassman has passed away after a long battle with breast cancer, according to Deadline. She was 66.

Her sister, Julie Strassman, confirmed the news to the publication Sunday afternoon. "She was the funniest, smartest person I ever met, and talented," she shared. "She knew everything. Now I won't be able to call her and ask her questions."

When she was 18, Marcia left her hometown in New Jersey to travel west to Los Angeles in hopes of turning her dreams into a reality.

In 1975, she received her breakout role in the TV hit, Welcome Back Kotter, where she played Gabe Kaplan's wife.

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Soon after, the actress received a steady amount of roles in projects such as Tremors, Third Watch, Providence and The Rockford Files.

Marcia not only conquered the small screen. She also found big success in movies as she starred in Honey I Shrunk the Kids and it's subsequent sequel. Who can forget Diane Szalinski?

When news broke, many in the industry immediately headed to Twitter to pay their respects.

Marcia's last role was in Hallmark Channel's, Looking for Mr. Right. The TV movie, also starring Vivica A. Fox, premiered this past summer.

In lieu of flowers, Marcia's sister has asked fans to consider donating to an organization fighting cancer in her name.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.