Sada Thompson: 1929-2011

The fine actress Sada Thompson has died of lung disease at the age of 81.  She's probably best known for her TV work, but she also had a distinguished stage career culminating in a Tony award for the play Twigs in 1971.  In the comedy about a mother and three sisters, she played all four roles.  Her numerous stage credits include The Effect Of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, and Tartuffe.  She won Obies for both.  She played the sensible, understanding mother in the ground-breaking ABC drama Family in the late 70s and added an Emmy to her collection of awards.  She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Donald Stewart, a daughter and a brother.