Obituaries

Patricia Elliott, Tony-Winning Original Star of A Little Night Music, Has Died

Elliott was also known for her performance on TV’s ”One Life to Live”.

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Len Cariou and Patricia Elliott in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A Little Night Music.
Len Cariou and Patricia Elliott in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A Little Night Music.

Patricia Elliott, the Tony Award-winning actress who originated the role of Countess Charlotte Malcolm in Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's A Little Night Music, has died at the age of 77.

Born in Gunnison, Colorado, Elliott graduated from the University of Colorado in 1960. She began her career working at regional theaters including the Cleveland Play House, the Guthrie Theater, and Arena Stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1968 playing Regan in King Lear and would also take on roles in A Cry of Players, King Henry V, A Doll's House, and Hedda Gabler before her 1973 Tony win for Night Music.

Elliott would also win a Drama Desk and a Theatre World Award for her performance as Charlotte, whose big song is Sondheim's now-classic "Every Day a Little Death." She received a 1977 Tony nomination for her performance in Michael Cristofer's The Shadow Box and a 1978 Drama Desk Award nomination for Molière's Tartuffe. Her major Broadway credits also include The Elephant Man opposite David Bowie and A Month of Sundays.

On television, Elliott is best known for her performance as Renee Divine Buchanan on the ABC daytime series One Life to Live. For her work, she received back to back Soap Opera Digest Award nominations in 1992 and 1993.

Elliott is survived by her niece, Sally Fay, an aunt, Claudine Walker, and several cousins.

David Bowie and Patricia Elliott in the Broadway production of The Elephant Man.
David Bowie and Patricia Elliott in the Broadway production of The Elephant Man.