Tuesday, July 21, 2020

RIP Phyllis Somerville


[Image via Legacy.com]

Phyllis Somerville, a longtime St. Mark's Place resident who enjoyed a lengthy career as an actor in film, TV and Broadway productions, died last Thursday. Paul Hilepo, her manager, told The Hollywood Reporter that she died of natural causes. She was 76.

"She was the consummate professional who lived her dream of being a working actress her entire life in NYC which spanned over 45 years," Hilepo said.

Somerville made her Broadway debut in 1975 in the musical "Over Here!" She most recently appeared in Aaron Sorkin's Broadway adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Her TV credits included "The Big C," "NYPD Blue" and "Daredevil" while her film highlights were "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Poms."

"She took pride in calling herself a New Yorker but she had salt-of-the-Earth Midwestern roots, which she was also proud of," Hilepo told the Associated Press.

Fellow St. Mark's Place resident David Godlis paid tribute to her on Instagram...



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A true artist that the EV was privileged to have as our own.

Anonymous said...

I've seen her numerous times throughout our beloved hood over the past decade. She seemed like such a nice woman. A role of hers which comes to mind was in 2006 with the film, "Little Children." What a compelling performance she delivered. It's an unforgettable movie. A must watch. I also enjoyed an episode of Sex and The City that she was in called ,"Power of the Female Sex" which was its first season. Hers was a voice and stature like no other. Boy. This has been such a difficult year. We have lost so many wonderful people. My condolences to her loved ones. RIP, Phyllis :(

Anonymous said...

my lord she is beautiful! RIP!!

Anonymous said...

RIP!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of her passing. I recognize her from her work and have seen her around the neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

Bumping into Phyllis on the block every other day or so and chatting for a few minutes was a delight for the day. Lots and lots of style and perspective you gave! I miss you dear neighbor of 35 years! RIP.

Sarah said...

Didn't she play Detective Russell's mom on NYPD Blue? The character was such a sad sack--I almost didn't recognize this vibrant lady.