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Elaine Stritch dead at 89: Hollywood mourns legendary star of stage and screen

One of Broadway's brightest lights dimmed Thursday. Elaine Stritch, the wonder of the Great White Way who went on to find further fame in film and television, died at age 89."Unfortunately, she passed away earlier this morning after a long illness," Stritch's attorney, Joseph Rosenthal, confirmed to TODAY. "She was seriously ill for a long time."The three-time Emmy Award-winning actress first made

One of Broadway's brightest lights dimmed Thursday. Elaine Stritch, the wonder of the Great White Way who went on to find further fame in film and television, died at age 89.

"Unfortunately, she passed away earlier this morning after a long illness," Stritch's attorney, Joseph Rosenthal, confirmed to TODAY. "She was seriously ill for a long time."

The three-time Emmy Award-winning actress first made her mark on the stage 60 years ago and became a fast favorite on Broadway with shows including "Sail Away," "Private Lives," "The King and I," "Mame" and many more.

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In recent years, Stritch gained renewed fame with her recurring role in the NBC sitcom "30 Rock," wherein she played the always ornery mother to Alec Baldwin's Jack Donaghy.

Advancing years did nothing to slow Stritch down. Earlier this year, she took her no-holds-barred act to the big screen in "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me," an intimate film portrait of her life in and out of the spotlight.

According to Reuters, Stritch suffered from diabetes and had been in declining health for some time.

“I will remember how fearless she is," TODAY's Kathie Lee Gifford said when she learned of Stritch's death. "You knew what you were going to get with Elaine because you never knew what you were going to get!"

As news of her death spread, her many Hollywood admirers took to Twitter to share their memories and mourn the legend.

What+a+life!+89+full+years.+A+true+legend+&+one+of+my+all+time+favorites.+R.I.P.+#ElaineStritch

—+Jesse+Tyler+Ferguson+(@jessetyler)+July+17,+2014+

"All+you+have+to+do+is+say,+'I'm+going+home,'+and+you're+the+most+popular+girl+at+the+party."+RIP+Elaine+Stritch

—+Nina+Garcia+(@ninagarcia)+July+17,+2014+

Farewell+to+the+great+Elaine+Stritch.+She+was+a+trip.+Loved+working+with+her.+Shared+a+few+laughs,+and+a+birthdate.+Something+of+a+genius.

—+Brent+Spiner+(@BrentSpiner)+July+17,+2014+

She+once+said+I+was+adorable+&+she+wanted+to+take+me+home+&+keep+me+on+her+mantle,+&+I+didn't+mind+'tall.+#SailAway+pic.twitter.com/Eng5xZgkJj

—+BD+WONG+(@BD_WONG)+July+17,+2014+

RIP+the+great+Elaine+Stritch.+Seeing+her+onstage+was+so+special+and+memorable.

—+Andy+Cohen+(@Andy)+July+17,+2014+

I+suspect+Elaine+Stritch+won't+know+how+to+rest-in-peace!+Iconic+entertainer,+force+of+nature,+my+wonderful+movie-mom+http://t.co/6HzjbsRwyO

—+mia+farrow+(@MiaFarrow)+July+17,+2014+

I+was+lucky+enough+to+see+Elaine+Stritch's+one+woman+show+and+meet+her.++One+of+a+kind+and+just+the+wittiest.+So+sad+to+hear+of+her+passing.

—+josh+groban+(@joshgroban)+July+17,+2014+

Elaine+Stritch+man.+Hell+of+a+performer,+spirit+and+woman.+This+one+really+hurts.+Today's+work+is+for+you+ma'am.+Crazy+love.

—+Anna+Kendrick+(@AnnaKendrick47)+July+17,+2014+

Here's+to+the+lady+who+lunched:+Elaine+Stritch,+we+love+you.+May+your+heaven+be+a+booze-soaked,+no-pants+solo+show+at+the+Carlyle.+Thank+you

—+Lena+Dunham+(@lenadunham)+July+17,+2014+

Elaine+Stritch.+http://t.co/qCfwadMT3d+I+didn't+think+it+was+possible.+I+didn't+think+it+was+possible.+Rest+In+Peace,+Powerhouse.

—+Martha+Plimpton+(@MarthaPlimpton)+July+17,+2014+

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