Marcia Strassman
Introduction
Marcia Strassman was an American actress, singer, and musician, best known for her role as Julie Kotter in the 1970s television series Welcome Back, Kotter. She was born on April 28, 1948, in New York City, and began her acting career in the 1960s. Strassman was an accomplished actress and had a successful career in both film and television.
Social Life
Strassman was born to a Jewish family in New York City. She attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and went on to study at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. In her early years, she was a member of the band “The Gas Company” and toured with them as a singer and guitarist.
Strassman was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor and director Bob Collector, with whom she had a daughter, Elizabeth Collector. Her second marriage was to composer and musician Roberta Lieberman, with whom she had a son, Justin Lieberman.
Education
After graduating from the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, Strassman went on to study at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She studied acting, dance, and music, and honed her skills as an actress and performer.
Achievements
Strassman began her acting career in the 1960s, appearing in television shows such as The Patty Duke Show, The Invaders, and The Streets of San Francisco. She made her film debut in the 1967 comedy The Party, starring Peter Sellers.
In 1970, Strassman landed the role of Nurse Margie Cutler on the television series MAS*H. She appeared in six episodes of the show and became a fan favorite. In 1975, Strassman was cast as Julie Kotter in the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, which would become her most famous role. She played the wife of high school teacher Gabe Kotter (played by Gabe Kaplan) and the show ran for four seasons.
Strassman continued to act in both film and television throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared in films such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992), and My Blue Heaven (1990). She also had recurring roles on television shows such as Providence and Tremors: The Series.
Tragedy
In 2007, Strassman was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment and was able to beat the disease. However, in 2014, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her bones. She passed away on October 24, 2014, at the age of 66.
Strassman was remembered by her colleagues and fans as a talented actress and a kind person. Gabe Kaplan, her co-star on Welcome Back, Kotter, said in a statement, “I am so sad that we have lost such a wonderful person and talented actress. Marcia was always kind to me and was a true talent.”
Conclusion
Marcia Strassman was a talented actress who had a successful career in both film and television. She was best known for her role as Julie Kotter in Welcome Back, Kotter, but she also appeared in many other popular shows and movies. Strassman was a beloved member of the entertainment industry and will be missed by her fans and colleagues. Her legacy as a talented performer will live on for years to come.