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Marian Mercer Obituary
Her husband, Patrick Hogan, tells the Los Angeles Times that Mercer died April 27 of Alzheimer's disease complications in the Newbury Park area of Thousand Oaks, about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Besides her 1969 Broadway hit "Promises, Promises," Mercer won praise for the 1978 revival of "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" co-starring Sammy Davis Jr.
On television, she starred in the ABC-TV comedy "It's a Living" from 1980 to 1982. She also had roles on "St. Elsewhere," ''Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and "Love, American Style."
Besides her husband of 31 years, Mercer is survived by a daughter, Deirdre Whitaker, of Seattle.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Marian Mercer
100 Entries
Robert Fritsche
November 10, 2021
I was so sad to discover that Ms. Mercer had passed away. What a talent she was! Her wonderfully wry, and subtly quirky delivery always made me laugh. She was a delight to watch on the screen and was a truly unique and gifted performer! So sorry for your loss.
Daniel Anderson
November 25, 2020
Wishing Ms. Mercer a wonderful 85th birthday tomorrow. I love watching reruns of Its A Living and enjoy keeping her spirit alive. God Bless
April 28, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's ...My heartfelt condolences to the family's ...My heartfelt condolences to the family's ..
April 27, 2020
My condolences to the family. I can remember the many roles, she played, during her acting career. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.
Yolanda G.
January 23, 2020
My late husband enjoyed watching It's a living and recently I started watching it when I saw you on the show. Of course I've seen you many times on TV and I wondered what became of you. I'm sorry to see that you're gone. May you be at peace.
Olivia Reed
January 17, 2020
As a teenager in the 1970s watching "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," I first saw Marian Mercer as the beleaguered character Wanda Rittenhouse Jeeter. What a multi-talented, brilliant, beautiful woman. Her humor was unsurpassed. After MH2 ended, if any program or movie included Marian Mercer, I always made a point of watching her. No matter what the role, she carried it off with grace, style and her fabulous wit.
How moving to see messages from friends and co-stars here remembering her. She is somebody I dearly wanted to meet. My deepest condolences to her family. She was a treasure to generations who knew her and witnessed her performances on stage, film and TV. Through the latter media, she will live on for generations to come.
Marian Mercer, I never knew you, but I loved you and will hold you in my heart forever.
Nancy Copeland
November 23, 2019
My family moved to Akron in my junior year of high school. I had moved from Athens, AL. I felt lost at Garfield High School until Marian, Cheryl, Nancy took me under their wing and introduced me to pizza at Luigi's. Marian had the lead role in the senior class play, Annie Get Your Gun and her beautiful voice took the show. I'll never forget their friendship. This is very late but just now learned of her passing. God bless your family.
Darlene Pease
July 24, 2019
Did love her in It's a living. Sorry to know she gone.
Mark Richardson
October 23, 2018
She was believable as her caracters she played and i think it was her voice that was so convoncing i never met her but was only a fan.
Harry Simpson
April 30, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
September 4, 2014
Marian was a comic genius and a genuine star. I worked summer stock when she did Bye Bye Birdie and she stoled the show! What a talent! RIP
Lisa Weiner
May 11, 2014
To Marian Mercer,
You were a very talented actress. I enjoyed watching you in the movie Nine to five, and the sitcom It'a living, My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
June 25, 2012
To Marian Mercer,
I thought you were one terrific actress. My thoughts and prayers go out your husband. Lisa Weiner
Jeffrey Schwartz
January 4, 2012
God bless the family of Marian, my mother margie coontz was a high school friend at Garfield in Akron and I was always inspired by her comedy my mother passed away 4-29-09 I'am deeply saddened by your loss I can still hear her laugh Peace Be With You.
Donald
June 13, 2011
Marian, dear sweet, funny Marian. From warm remembrances while you were at the University of Michigan, including sharing a shaker of Manhattans now and then, to your many comedic roles on the road to Broadway and television, you will truly be missed. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Christine Chernis Brandt
June 13, 2011
I had the joy of working with Marian Mercer at Town and Country Musicals in East Rochester, NY when I was a young theatre apprentice. She was this funny woman who rode a bike to get back and forth to the theatre. Her role onstage as the mother in Bye, Bye Birdie was a treat. So sorry we have lost her.
Blanche Teller
June 9, 2011
so sorry to hear of Marian's passing, dear Patrick, hope all goes well with you, I miss our little group meetings at the Motion Picture Home on Wednesday afternoons. Stay well and take care of yourself, Blanche
June 4, 2011
I was a bellman at the Plaza Hotel in NYC about 1988. I was fortunate enough to escort Ms. Mercer & her husband Patrick Hogan to their room. I'm afraid I may have "gushed" a bit over Ms. Mercer being a fan of hers. But Mr. Hogan treated me with much respect. It's one of my favorite memories. I was sadden to hear the news and wish comfort for Mr. Hogan and Family. Please take care, Angelo Ragonesi (Roebling, NJ)
June 4, 2011
I was a bellman at the Plaza Hotel in NYC about 1988. I was fortunate enough to escort Ms. Mercer & her husband Patrick Hogan to their room. I'm afraid I may have "gushed" a bit over Ms. Mercer, being a fan of hers. But Mr. Hogan treated me with much respect. It's one of my favorite memories. I was sadden to hear the news and wish comfort for Mr. Hogan and Family. Please take care, Angelo Ragonesi (Roebling, NJ)
"Ronny June" Stringer
May 11, 2011
So sorry to hear of Marian's passing, and glad to have this opportunity to extend my condolences to the family of 30 years I never got around to meeting. Of all the stepmoms in my life -- official and, in this case, de facto -- Marian was the one I hoped would be the "keeper." It didn't work out that way, but I welcome this opportunity to thank her from the bottom of my heart for kindness, and the interest, and the friendship she sent my way throughout the '70s, and for all the wonderful people she brought into my life. God bless and keep you, Marian.
Bill Snyder
May 10, 2011
I remember her also; from, "Stop the World "and Mary Hartman..She had that incredible ability; to be dead pan and then, insanely funny. A wonderful career...Thank you; for brightening my Life, with your wit, your humor and your charm.. God bless you and your Family..
Bill Snyder...Northern California.
Suz Kidwell
May 9, 2011
I remember her sultry voice and beauty gracing many shows during my youth. I will miss her.
Albert Lash
May 9, 2011
Wow, What great memories, NYC, Promises was the best. she blew me away. Her and Jerry Orbach, all the best to the family.
Denise Swartz
May 9, 2011
Marian was an awesome actress. She will truly be missed
Joan Pearlman
May 9, 2011
She will be dearly missed, I remember her in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and so many other performances. My condolences to the family.
May 9, 2011
May the God of all comfort be with the Mercer family at this difficult time and may your fond memories bring you joy. 2 Cor.1;3,4
Avay Lager
May 9, 2011
Such talent and beauty.
To the family, I am sorry for you loss and I thank you for sharing your loved one with us, the world.
With deepest sympathy and regaurds.
Stephanie Langlois
May 9, 2011
Patrick & Family,
Very sorry to hear of Marian's passing. She was a beautiful and talented actress.
Sincerely,
The Langlois Family
May 9, 2011
Rest in peace Miss Mercer and thank for the many hours
of entertainment. Condolences to the family. God bless.
Jo Amoroso
San Mateo., Ca.
Chuck Shea
May 9, 2011
Another wonderful actress has left the stage, never to be replaced. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful talents with us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you gave us.
Justin Blanchard
May 9, 2011
Oh, I was sad to hear that. I remember seeing her in the movie 9 to 5 playing Missy Hart! God bless the family.
Barb Partin
May 9, 2011
Wonderful high school memories...wonderful and talented person. Enjoyed her hilarious sense of humor. My sympathies to the family.
Barb Lang Partin
John Chovan
May 9, 2011
Rest in peace, Marian. You gave us a great deal of joy and will be missed. My favorite role of yours was Missy Hart, Franklin Hart's ("I like to call him. F. Hart") wife in 9 to 5. The sound of your voice will always be in my heart and Ohio will always love one of her native daughters. God bless your family and friends during this time.
cindy bright
May 8, 2011
Loved her in St. Elsewhere. RIP. watched so many of her shows.
May 8, 2011
Marian was my dear frind for over 40 years...I will miss you.Rest in Peace
my friend
Little Jer
Jeri McPhie and Family
Daniel Krueger
May 8, 2011
The total class act - her memory will be forever a blessing and an inspiration for generations to come!
Debra McBride Morelock (father was Vernon McBride "Red"
May 8, 2011
I always enjoyed Marians performances on television. I really liked her in Nine to Five. My father always said he went to high school with Marian Mercer at Garfield High School in Akron Ohio. He passed away 11 years ago, but he always followed her career, and mentioned this to us about high school with a movie star. She seemed like a very nice lady. God Bless your family.
Thomas Byers
May 8, 2011
I felt lucky to have briefly me Ms Mercer while a student at Baldwin-Wallace many years ago. Marilyn was quite a songtress, and real human qualities as well. She will be missed
May 8, 2011
They forgot one of my favorite roles in 9 to 5. She played the hated boss's sweet wife
Jefrey Nelson
May 8, 2011
I can't believe she's gone!! I loved her in "It's a Living" and, of course, (my favorite film) "9 to 5". She will be MISSED. SO sorry for your (our) loss. Jefrey Nelson, St. Louis MO
Christina
May 8, 2011
Classy lady, ALWAYS, and beautiful.
Danny W Heiple
May 8, 2011
Marian was such a beautiful and gracious lady, always lovered her on tv...bless you dear family
Donna Sue Perry Reynolds
May 8, 2011
She was a great actress and I am so sorry for your loss!
May 8, 2011
She will be very missed by her fans an family. Your Friend Bobby Reffitt1
anonymous
May 8, 2011
A wonderful Actress, your talent will be missed
Anne Stapleton
May 8, 2011
I always enjoyed Marian. So sorry to hear of her passing.
May 8, 2011
Great actor ! Loved her in 9-5 :)
Greg Phillips
Trenton,NJ
Mary Ann C Golden
May 7, 2011
I loved her also in Nine to Five.Soft spoken.She is too young to die.Bless her family.
Dennis Carter
May 7, 2011
A beautiful and talented lady. I always enjoyed watching her in her many roles.
Shirleymae Cottrill
May 7, 2011
Very sorry to hear of Marian's passing. I watched my husband's mother go through life with Alzheimer's, it was terrible. I went to High School with Marian. She has peace now. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Shirleymae Runge Cottrill, Colorado Springs, CO
Eraina Woodworth
May 7, 2011
My favorite Marian Mercer role was that of playing the wife of Dabney Coleman in "Nine to Five". You got the feeling she knew more than she let on about her sleezy husband. My condolences to her family and friends. May she be in peace.
Deborah Buchanan
May 7, 2011
I remember her role on St. Elsewhere. What a beautiful woman! Deborah.
Elizabeth Albright
May 7, 2011
Loved Ms Mercer growing up in the tv show " Its a Living" and the great movie 9 to 5 as well. My prayers to all at this great loss!!!
Melissa J Barber
May 7, 2011
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this!! I totally remember enjoying Ms. Mercer in Love American Style and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman....such a funny and enjoyable lady!! My deepest condolences for your loss........
Barbara Kline/Midcap
May 7, 2011
Prayers and condolences to the family of Marian Mercer. The first play I saw her in was her role of Annie in "Annie Get Your Gun" when she was a senior in high school. I had a small role in the chorus. I am so happy that she "made it" in the theater and movies. I really enjoyed "9 to 5". What a beautiful person in side and out. RIP Barbara Kline Midcap
May 7, 2011
I am sorry for your loss
May 7, 2011
In the mid 70s I saw Marian Mercer, at the Globe in San Diego, in Much Ado about Nothing and The Tempest. She was superb. She was a great talent and will be missed. Don, San Francisco
May 7, 2011
Pat, I can remember the fun times that I had with you and Marian at The Flask. My heartfelt thoughts and love go out to you and the family at this time. Warm regards .... Chuck Petersil
Rebecca Watson
May 7, 2011
I loved her in IT'S A LIVING.
Carol Brockman Castro
May 7, 2011
I experienced any enjoyable television hours watching Ms. Mercer. I saw her on stage in a play with Sammy Davis, Jr. and she absolutely stole the show. Such a great day in the theater! Thank you, Miss Mercer, for sharing your talents with us. God bless you and your family.
Reba Nelson
May 7, 2011
To The Family of Marian Mercer,I enjoyed her on television and she will be greatly missed,she was very appreciated in this life remember thefun times. Reba Nelson.God Blessed.
Lily
May 7, 2011
May the family of Marian be comforted with the loving provision our Creator has made for a time when our loved ones will be reunited with Marian and she will return to the days of her youthful vigor - Job 33:25.
M Price
May 7, 2011
Goodbye to our Akron girl! You made us proud. Memory Eternal.
Betty
May 7, 2011
she was such a sweet actress. I especially liked her role in 9 to 5. RIP Marian and prayers to your family.
Lynne Kozerski
May 7, 2011
Ms. Mercer was a great actress. I enjoyed watching her with Ann Jillian on 'It's a Living' years ago.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
Art Schneider
May 7, 2011
From the beginning of her career--as Mad Margaret at the University of Michigan, she was a terrific actress.
Rev. Nicholas V. Gamvas
May 7, 2011
May Your Memory Be Eternal!
A Daughter
May 7, 2011
Sorry for your loss. May knowing others care give you a measure of comfort. May God who see your pain of heart;comfort and strengthen you all during this most difficult time. His ears are toward their cry for help.”—PS. 34:15.
T.W
May 7, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
J. Hope
May 7, 2011
I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my own mother to this horrible disease last fall. May the good memories get you through this difficult time. She was a gifted actress and her many wonderful performances will be remembered.
Henryk Zaleski
May 7, 2011
Rest in peace.
May 7, 2011
May God of all comfort bring the family comfort as they grieve. My deepest condolence
Shirley Griffin
May 7, 2011
My sincere condolences on your loss, may the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
May 7, 2011
I always enjoyed Marian's performances. May she rest in peace.
Joyce G. Lakeland, FL
Harts
May 7, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. With deep sympathy,
May 7, 2011
I remember you as "Missy Heart" from 9-5...Great, funny movie --RIP
Lila Henderson
May 7, 2011
So Sorry for your loss my God be with you and your family in this time of need and she will be missed She was a very good actress I love the role she played on 9 to5
Connie Boswell
May 7, 2011
You will be missed, have so enjoyed all of your work over the years. Rest in Peace, My condolences to the family. You look like a Angel in your picture
a fan
May 6, 2011
Memorable as Mr. Hart's wife "Missy" in the movie "9 to 5".
A fan
May 6, 2011
Thank you for sharing Marian with us. She was a true actress. May she rest in peace, and be waiting for you to join her.
Marian Mercer
May 6, 2011
I have followed Marian's career and thought of her as a friend even though I did not know her. We share the same name and if feels like the loss of a friend. Prayers for her family may God bless them.
L. Voorhees
May 6, 2011
Marian brought so much enjoyment to so many people. May she rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
Sherrill Cummings
May 6, 2011
Loved her in 9 to 5. She was a joy to watch. Rest in peace.
Sheila C.
May 6, 2011
Ms Mercer, was a wonderful actress. She will be truly missed.
My condolences to the family.
May 6, 2011
To Mrs. Hogan's family: as a long time fan of this very talented actress, I am sorry for your loss. May God's peace surround you at this sorrowful time. JM of Austerlitz, New York
May 6, 2011
R.I.P. Ms. Mercer. I remember seeing you on tv when I was a child.
David Bursky
May 6, 2011
As a child and teen who loved the sitcom "It's a Living", I will never forget Marian Mercer. I loved the way she played the role when I first saw it in syndication in 1985-1990 and then in reruns of the show as it aired from 1980-82. Marian brought lots of laughter to a kid/teenager, now a 38 year old man who wasn't always laughing through school. To her family, although I never met Marian, she was one of the celebrities I always wanted to meet and am very sad I never got a chance, I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Victoria&Andrew VZj
May 6, 2011
Sentiments of Condolences'
Your inside ones Prayer
Thank you for being you
Full of wisdom much laughter`
GodBless you so long Friend of
Hollywood Legacy rip"MARIAN"
William Held
May 6, 2011
Ms Mercer was such a great actress in everything I ever saw her appear in; which was probably everything she ever did; except "Promises, Promises". I remember all of the television shows she appeared in. She was one of the best. My she rest in peace.
Wayne Brasler
May 6, 2011
Marian Mercer was one of the rarest breed, a unique actress with an original personality and approach to her craft. She enhanced any project she was part of, most notably of course "Nine to Five" and "It's a Living." She will be greatly missed and always remembered.
May 6, 2011
Very sorry to hear the news. Always enjoyed her performances. Thank goodness for the digital age and the work she did.
Barry
May 6, 2011
God Bless, You are a great actress.
Cynthia Staton
May 6, 2011
Mrs. Marian Mercer, may you Rest in Peace!
May 6, 2011
God Bless
R Golay
May 6, 2011
To the the family of Marian Mercer - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
Virginia Levy
May 6, 2011
Promises Promises was the first Broadway play I saw in New York City. My deepest sympathy.
Charlene Majors
May 6, 2011
One of her best roles was in 9 to 5. She just had the most unusual type of comedy. If I ever saw her on the screen in anything, I tried to stop and watch.
Charlene Majors
Duluth, Georgia
Roberta Fodor Hiney
May 6, 2011
So sorry to learn of the passing of Marian. We went to school together for many years and graduated from High school together. She was a VERY talented lady and will be missed. God bless her family.
Mary Heaven
May 6, 2011
She was a wonderful woman and a good actress. I had the pleaseure of seeing "Stop the World" in lincoln center and thought it was fansatic. may her soul rest in peace
Mary Jeffers
May 6, 2011
So sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace.
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