American stage, screen, and television actress, screenwriter, and playwright Joan Hotchkis passed away last week. She was best known for “The Odd Couple” and “Legacy.” Read on to know how did Joan Hotchkis die and what was the cause of her death.
Joan Hotchkis was the last surviving child of Preston Hotchkis and Katharine Bixby. The two were civic leaders in Los Angeles with statewide and national influence throughout the last century who led everything from the Metropolitan Water District to the California Historical Society.
Who was Joan Hotchkis?
Born on September 21, 1927, Joan Hotchkis was an American stage, screen, and television actress. She was also a writer and performance artist, and a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and Dramatists Guild.
Hotchkis is best known for playing Dr. Nancy Cunningham for several seasons on The Odd Couple and Bissie Hapgood in Legacy. She will also be remembered forever for co-writing the seminal acting manual “No Acting Please” with Eric Morris.
She completed her B.A. in Psychology from Smith College and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street Teacher’s College. After that, she became a nursery school teacher in New York before switching her career to acting in 1954 at the age of 27.
Hotchkis made her debut playing the lead role of Lizzie in The Rainmaker at the Players Ring Theatre in Hollywood. Upon her return to New York, she became a member of The Actors Studio and was cast in Tv commercials and guest spots.
Soon after, she met director Bob Foster and the two decided to marry in 1958. The couple had a daughter named Paula before getting divorced in 1967. Hotchkis also starred in the soap opera The Secret Storm and in the play Streetcar Named Desire.
She made her Broadway debut in 1960 on Advise and Consent. Hotchkis also appeared as the female lead opposite William Windom on My World and Welcome To It and guest starred on many shows such as Lou Grant, Charlie’s Angels, Mannix, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, St. Elsewhere, Marcus Welby, Barnaby Jones, and The Life and Times of Eddie Roberts.
On the big screen, Hotchkis had roles in The Late Liz, Old Boyfriends, Breezy, and Ode to Billie Joe. Shen went on to write the Not Acting Please and became a playwright with Legacy.
How did Joan Hotchkis die?
Joan Hotchkis died on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Her daughter Paula Chambers announced the heartbreaking news of her mother’s death due to congestive heart failure.
Joan Hotchkis was 95 years old. She had a long and memorable career in the entertainment industry and will forever be remembered for the marks she left.
Joan Hotchkis dead: What was her cause of death?
Joan Hotchkis died of congestive heart failure, which is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood as much as it should. She had been suffering from the condition for a long time now.
In her younger days, Hotchkis was diagnosed with meningioma, which is a non-cancerous brain tumor. Fortunately, she had successful brain surgery to get it removed. This helped her extend her prolific career and enjoy new heights.
Joan Hotchkis Obituary: Tributes and Funeral Details
The film and theatre industry is paying tribute to late actress Joan Hotchkis following her demise recently. Fans, ex-colleagues, and friends are paying respect to the multi-dimensional personality that Hotchkis possessed.
Hotchkis was always highly interested in social justice. She supported progressive nonprofits and mentored bright young women who were underprivileged.
Joan Hotchkis is survived by her daughter Paula and several other family members who loved her. Paula has confirmed that her memorial will be private but fans can make donations in her memory to Highways Performance Space here.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Hotchkis family. May God let her soul rest in peace.