She’s an actress best known for her standout Broadway performances and for playing the hilariously overbearing mother to Fran Drescher on the beloved sitcom The Nanny. Her name, when mentioned among theater enthusiasts and classic TV fans, often brings up fond memories of sharp wit and unforgettable comedic timing. Over the years, she has built an impressive resume, amassing more than 95 acting roles across stage, television, and film—a true testament to her enduring talent and versatility.
Before she became a household name, she was cutting her teeth in dimly lit comedy clubs, honing her craft in the early days of her career. Interestingly, during those gritty beginnings, a young and still-undiscovered Barbra Streisand once served as her opening act—an amusing twist of fate that only adds to her legendary status in showbiz circles.
In 1965, she married fellow actor Joseph Bologna, forming one of Hollywood’s quietly admired power couples. Together, they shared not only a deep professional connection but also a strong personal bond, raising two children: a son named Gabriel and a daughter named Zizi. Throughout it all, her name remained synonymous with resilience, humor, and a deeply rooted passion for performance.
She and her husband teamed up to co-write the Broadway play Lovers and Other Strangers, which later became a major success. Their collaboration didn’t stop there—she also worked alongside him to adapt the story into a screenplay, and together, they earned an Oscar nomination for their efforts. It was a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent not just on stage but also in film. She truly made her mark through that project, and it remains one of her most celebrated achievements.