NEW YORK (Reuters) — Kathleen Freeman, a veteran character actress of stage, television and film who was nominated for a Tony award last year for "The Full Monty," has died at age 78, the musical's publicist said Friday.
Freeman, who performed in the hit musical as recently as Saturday, died of lung cancer Thursday, a spokesman said.
The raspy-voiced actress who specialized in character roles worked in films ranging from 1952's "Singin' in the Rain," in which she played the vocal coach to the sharp-voiced actress played by Jean Hagan, to this summer's hit "Shrek," in which she provided the voice of the old woman.
The Chicago native had recurring roles in such 1960s shows as "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Hogan's Heroes," in which she played Col. Klink's love interest.