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Ellen Albertini Dow
1913 - 2015
Ellen Albertini Dow
1913 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1913
DIED
2015
Ellen Albertini Dow Obituary
Her agent, Juliet Green, confirmed to The Associated Press that Dow died Monday.
Her breakout rap in "The Wedding Singer" led to memorable and often foul-mouthed character roles in films like "Wedding Crashers," "Road Trip" and "54," as the drug-addled party girl Disco Dottie.
Dow's numerous television credits include "Seinfeld," "ER," "Will and Grace," "Six Feet Under," and "New Girl," which, at age 99, would be one of her last on-screen appearances.
The Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, native studied theater and dance for most of her life and obtained a master's degree from Cornell when that was still a rarity for women.
After graduating, Dow moved to New York City to work with the likes of dance greats Hanya Holm and Martha Graham and acting mentors like Michael Shurtleff and Uta Hagen. In Paris, she even studied with mimes Marcel Marceau and Jacques LeCoq.
Dow met her husband, Eugene Dow, in the New York theater scene in 1951. The two performed and taught together over the course of their 53-year marriage, until Eugene Dow died in 2004.
With a rich life in academia and theater already behind her, Ellen Dow didn't even begin her on-screen acting career until she was in her 70s, when she got her first job on "The Twilight Zone."
"She was always amazed and delighted to be recognized when strangers approached her on the street to tell her how much they loved her," said Green in an email. "She was fiercely independent and hated when anyone tried to treat her like an old lady."
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
63 Entries
April 5, 2024
The genealogy of Ellen can be found here:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Albertini-85
August 31, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort..I remember her rap...she will be miss...My condolences to the Family's.
Norri Suder
September 10, 2018
Rest in peace beautiful lady.
How you can show support
July 11, 2016
sorry 4 loss
ROSEMARY CARDILLO
April 19, 2016
GOD BLESS YOU DEAR LADY. YOU WILL MOST ASSUREDLY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU MADE PEOPLE WORLDWIDE LAUGH AND SMILE.WHA THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE SWEET LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR OUR FELLOW MAN/WOMAN.
REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD DEAR ITALIAN, SWEET LADY. TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
ROSEMARY CARDILLO STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
Allison Dupont
March 7, 2016
Never forgotten, Rest in Peace.
January 17, 2016
Revelasion .21.3.4.5.es una promesa y sera para siempre
June 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray your family finds comfort in God's promise in the future.
June 2, 2015
101 most people domtdon't even live close to that number these days. That's encouraging and beautiful. And it's beautiful too because there will be a time in the future where a lot of us will leave many years like that.
May 31, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief. May all her memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
klas
May 30, 2015
May your family have peace and comfort from the God of all comfort.
May 30, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing That there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
May 30, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to
May 29, 2015
Sorry for your loss.
Susan Price
May 20, 2015
Please have my sincerest condolences. Life with out end will soon be realized. God who cannot lie will undo all pain and suffering. May he comfort you all. (Isaiah 55:11)
PL
May 18, 2015
My sincere condolences are with the family for your loss. May your treasured memories and the drawing close to God in prayer help comfort you in your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:12, 13
John Henry
May 13, 2015
God bless your soul the people who recorded rappers delight im sure we're happy to hear your version I totally admire you may you always RIP Godbless you in heaven
v c
May 13, 2015
Many condolences go out to you may Jehovah grant you peace.
Dianne
May 11, 2015
Ellen Albertini Dow did not simply have 101 birthdays; she loved and enjoyed life to the fullest. All who knew her and knew of her loved and adored her as well. Surely she is most precious in God's eyes. My condolences!
Len Zarko
May 10, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Donna Sebastian
May 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of the loss of a dear sweet women. I had the pleasure of meeting during Mt. Carmel's 50th anniversary in 2012. She was so proud to have been a Mount Carmel native and the borough was lucky to have her as a native daughter. My condolences to her family for their loss. She is surely with the angels singing in heaven.
May 9, 2015
Our sympathy to the family. May the fond memories of her bring peace to the family
Erica NC
Patricia Crozier
May 9, 2015
R.I.P. Ellen. Though you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the years of entertainment you provided.
Vanessa
May 9, 2015
Sorry to learn of your loss. I've seen Mrs. Dow before but never knew her name. May God grant you peace and comfort beyond measure
Regina Whitcomb
May 8, 2015
I worked with Ellen, first as a student, then as a young professional, in the late 1970s and early 80s.
She was tough very tough. Later, to my surprise, she demonstrated how much she liked me and respected my talent.
I credit Ellen with instilling a certain confidence that carried me to (and through) many projects.
Having worked with Ellen prepared me for everything I was to encounter. There has never been an actor/director/producer I couldn't cope with.
I loved her and had the opportunity in the last few years to see her again and tell her how very grateful I am.
Peaceful slumber dear mentor and friend.
carla hollan
May 8, 2015
we all love her she was a very funny lady and she will be greatly missed but will never beforgotten
May 7, 2015
My condolences for your loss, the "wedding singer" is one of my all time favorite movies. She was such a memerable character and hope Jehova heals your family pain. As God is the healer of hearts.
Exercise class Christmas party 1981
Muffy Haugen
May 7, 2015
I was lucky enough to first meet Ellen in the early 1980's when I took an exercise class from her at Woman's Workshop then later a dance/mime class at Pierce College. We could barely keep up with her! She was one-of-a-kind in every way. A fabulous lady and such an inspiration! I will miss getting her yearly updates during the holidays. I am comforted to know that she is now reunited with her beloved Gene.
Sending love and healing thoughts to her family and friends.
Here's to a life well lived. I love and miss your great spirit, Ellen!
CJ
May 7, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family ,May the true God console your hearts and soothe your pain ( Psalm 119:25,76)
Stacy
May 7, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 7, 2015
rip
Wright
May 7, 2015
May the God of comfort ,comfort all who knew her.Draw close to God and he will draw close to you during the days ahead. Our heartfelt condolences.
Roxanna
May 6, 2015
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God give strength to the family during their time of sorrow.
Char
May 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May God's love make your grief bearable.
Kenneth
May 6, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. Please except my condolences. Losing a loved one in death is very difficult but relying on the almighty God will help you get through it. Draw comfort from God's Word the Bible. And throw your burdens on God through prayer.
Sr. M Helen Royack fssj
May 6, 2015
Ellen, you touched the lives of many, May
you rest in the arms of God! We are so
proud of you!
May 6, 2015
Sorry to hear about your loss. May you find hope in the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3-5
May 6, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your loved one,may the God of mercy and kindness be with you during your time of grief.........
Mallory
May 6, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mia
May 6, 2015
If I could describe Ellen in one word it would be "unique". She was one Hilarious actress, with a personality like no other... I loved her parts in the movies and I absolutely loved the fact that she lived long enough to put a smile on our faces. Her legacy as "The Rapping Grandma" would never be forgotten. Please accept my sincerely sympathy and have into consideration that only our Heavenly Father can become a Strong Tower for those in distress and in tears. May He grant the family inner peace during this difficult and sad moments. Psalms 9:9.
KM
May 6, 2015
I am truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dow will be remembered for her acting roles. May God also keep her in His book of remembrance. (Malachi 3:16)
James Pace
May 6, 2015
Her acting made me laugh many a times. I'm sure in her personal life she was a great person to be around. Sorry for the families loss.
May 6, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends.made the warm memories you shared comfort you and the promises that gives in Isaiah26:19encourage you during the days ahead.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
May 6, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Jerry
May 6, 2015
Family and friends of Ms. Dow. She was great. I truly enjoyed her. May she rest in peace!!
May 6, 2015
My condolences to the Dow family and friends. She by far outlived the Biblical margins mentioned at Psalms 90:10 and indeed had "special mightiness". May the peace of God be with you ~ Linda, Queens, NY
May 6, 2015
I really enjoyed seeing Ellen in the movies.May her fond memories live on. May God bring her family and fiends comfort.
May 6, 2015
Our deepest sympathies. May the God who gives Peace help and strengthen all who loved her. She will obviously be greatly missed.
May 6, 2015
My condolences to The Dow Family. May the "Peace of GOD"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
nereida ramos
May 5, 2015
to the family of mrs.ellen abertini dow iam so sorry for your loss mrs.dow was blessed with 101 year of being especially strong she live along full lifememories of her performance as rapper granny"from the film" wedding singer"ma you Rip ms.ellen
B. Gardner
May 5, 2015
To the family of Mrs. Ellen Albertini Dow. I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dow was blessed with 101 years of being especially strong. (Psalms 90:10) May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of time spent with her as you remember a life well-lived.
Sheila
May 5, 2015
She lived a long full life. God bless.
May 5, 2015
She was a hoot. Loved her. May she rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Marilynn
May 5, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family of Ms. Ellen Albertini Dow and friends. May the true god of peace, justice and love comfort your hearts in the promises for the future time of blessing for mankind by God's righteous Kingdom.-Acts 17:28-31.
May 5, 2015
God is there for us and he is willing to help us. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.-James 4:8.
DS
M J
May 5, 2015
Sorry for the loss of Ellen A Dow, may the God of loyal love comfort and grant you peace. Job 33:25
Carolyn M.
May 5, 2015
To The Dow Family,
May your most cherished memories lift your heavy hearts at this time of loss. I will forever have the fondest of memories of her performance as "Rapper Granny" from the film "Wedding Singer"; may you RIP Ms. Ellen
Scott Chamberland
May 5, 2015
Rest in Peace
May 5, 2015
R.I.H. Ellen
May 5, 2015
I know she will truly be missed. Soon the God of all comfort will remove death forever . . .
1Cor.15:26
G. Freeman
May 5, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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