Lynne Marie Stewart, Star of “Pee-wee's Playhouse” and “It's Always Sunny”, Dies at 78: 'The World Lost a Great Soul'

Lynne Marie Stewart, star of Pee-wee's Playhouse and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia , has reportedly died. She was 78.

Stewart's death was announced by a friend on Instagram on Friday, Feb. 21. 

"My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart's passing," actress Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson wrote, alongside a photo of Stewart embracing her and another friend. 

"One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee's Playhouse . She'll always be 'the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.' "

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Jonathan Stark, another friend of Stewart's, shared the news on Facebook , writing, "I lost a friend today. And the world lost a great soul. Lynne Marie Stewart is gone. Miss Yvonne, 'The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland.' It seemed impossible to me as I felt that her goodness and light would live forever. I'm beyond heartbroken."

Stewart played Miss Yvonne, The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, on Pee-wee's Playhouse from 1986 to 1990 alongside star and creator Paul Reubens, who died in July 2023 . She appeared in several other Pee-wee titles, including Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee-wee (1988).

The late actress first met Reubens in the 1970s after joining the sketch comedy troupe the Groundlings, based in Los Angeles, where she was born and raised, per Extra . 

Stewart made her onscreen debut in the 1971 film Drive, She Said , according to IMDB . She appeared in several films and TV shows in her career, including American Graffiti (1973), Laverne & Shirley (1977-1983), M*A*S*H (1975-1977), Life with Louie (1996-1997) and Arrested Development (2004). 

Stewart's more recent well-recognized role was as Charlie Kenny's mother Bonnie, in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-2023). This was also her last credited acting appearance, per IMDB .

Former cast member Mary Elizabeth Ellis wrote in tribute to Stewart on her Instagram Stories , "This woman. So lovely, so funny … I can't believe I got to know and work with her after falling for her as a child watching Peewee. Lots of love to you Lynne Marie 💖."

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Saturday Night Live star Maya Rudolph posted on her Instagram Stories a signed photo from Stewart in honor of the late actress following the news of her death.

Actor Drew Powell said of Stewart on Instagram that she was "the kindest most affirming most supportive person I've come across."

He added, "Always in my corner. Always beaming with positivity and love. What a legacy she leaves. We will miss her very much."

PEOPLE has reached out to Stewart's representatives for comment.

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