Louise Lasser, best known for her lead role in the 1970s cult classic soap opera parody "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," has passed away at the age of 87 in New York City. Her death was confirmed by her longtime friend Susan Charlotte. Lasser gained widespread recognition and a Primetime Emmy nomination for portraying the titular character in the series produced by Norman Lear, which aired in syndication from 1976 to 1977 and ran for 325 episodes. The show was known for its satirical look at suburban life during a time of significant social change.

Before her breakthrough on television, Lasser was notably married to filmmaker Woody Allen from 1966 to 1970. She worked with Allen on several of his early films, including "Take the Money and Run," "Bananas," and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask." Though their marriage ended, they continued to collaborate professionally. Her filmography extends beyond Allen’s comedies, featuring roles in movies such as Sam Raimi’s "Crimewave," Todd Solondz’s "Happiness," and Darren Aronofsky’s "Requiem for a Dream."

Lasser's television career was prolific, spanning nearly six decades and including guest spots on iconic shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Taxi," "The Bob Newhart Show," and a recurring part on the popular series "Girls" between 2014 and 2015. Her diverse body of work underscored her versatility as an actress, ranging from comedy to serious drama, and solidified her status as a memorable figure in both TV and film.

Born on April 11, 1939, in New York City, Louise Lasser began her screen career in the early 1960s, initially appearing in productions connected with Woody Allen and others. Her contributions to entertainment left a lasting impact, particularly through her iconic role as Mary Hartman, which challenged the norms of television storytelling. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable journey in Hollywood and the arts.