Rose Marie Mazzetta, known as Rose Marie, star of the The Dick Van Dyke Show, has died. The beloved entertainer was 94-years-old. She died in Van Nuys, California, on Thursday. The news was confirmed via a message on her official Twitter account.
"It is with broken hearts that we share the terribly sad news that our beloved Rose Marie passed away this afternoon."
Rose Marie, known for her signature black bow that she wore in her hair, had a very long and prosperous career that spanned nine decades, with her last credited role coming in 2013 on The Garfield Show. When asked about her black bow and why she wears it, she once said, "It's a very private personal reason. I said I would only give up (the bow) if the Smithsonian wants it." The actress and comedian got her start by winning a talent contest at the age of 3. She then, shortly after, began her career as Baby Rose Marie, a name she performed under until she was a teenager. Director Carl Reiner took to Twitter to share his thoughts on her passing.
"I was so sad to learn of the passing of Rosemarie. There's never been a more engaging & multi-talented performer. In a span of 90 years, since she was four, dear Rosie performed on radio, in vaudeville, night clubs, films, TV, & Vegas & always had audiences clamoring for 'more!!'"
In the 1960s, Rose Marie became a massive star when she began playing Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show. For her work on the classic series, she was nominated for three Emmys. Following her work on Dick Van Dyke, she appeared on many TV shows such as The Virginian, The Monkees, Hey, Landlord and My Three Sons, in addition to a recurring role on The Doris Day Show. She was also a frequent guest on the original run of Hollywood Squares, which ran from 1966 to 1980. Star Wars: The Last Jedi star Mark Hamill had this to say in tribute to Rose Marie.
" for the all the laughs @RoseMarie4Real! So glad you could take your final bow while enjoying another career high w/#WaitForYourLaugh & a new generation of fans who loved you. Your timing always was... perfection. #RIPRosie"
In addition to her many TV roles, Rose Marie was also a radio star and singer. She also appeared on Broadway in the musical Top Banana, in addition to starring in the movie adaptation. Larry King also shared his thoughts on Twitter saying, "RIP Rose Marie, one of the original (and terrific) wisecracking women in comedy. TV would never have been the same without her." In 2003, Rose Marie published a memoir titled, Hold the Roses. Just last month, a documentary titled, Wait For Your Laugh, which chronicles her long career, was released. You can check out other reactions to the passing of Rose Marie on Twitter for yourself below. RIP, Rose Marie.
It is with broken hearts that we share the terribly sad news that our beloved Rose Marie passed away this afternoon. https://t.co/boHpy71Fjxpic.twitter.com/qv9w8pNuOz
— Rose Marie-Official (@RoseMarie4Real) December 29, 2017
I was so sad to learn of the passing of Rosemarie. There's never been a more engaging & multi-talented performer. In a span of 90 years, since she was four, dear Rosie performed on radio, in vaudeville, night clubs, films, TV, & Vegas & always had audiences clamoring for "more!!"
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) December 29, 2017
Thanks for the all the laughs @RoseMarie4Real! So glad you could take your final bow while enjoying ANOTHER career high w/#WaitForYourLaugh & a new generation of fans who loved you. Your timing always was... perfection. #RIPRosie ❤️- mh https://t.co/OBcWdwvmk5
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 29, 2017
Rest In Peace Rose Marie!
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) December 29, 2017
Thank you for bringing my family and I a lifetime of happiness and laughter! One of my greatest childhood memories was gathering around our ???? set to watch “The Dick Van Dyke Show” Honored to have worked w you on the pilot “Faculty Lounge” Love you????
Rose Marie was a world-class entertainer, the likes of which we just don’t see today. Here’s a sample of her awesomeness: https://t.co/Hxa2acvnvr
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) December 29, 2017
I’m heartbroken over the loss of Rose Marie. I met her years ago when she and Morey Amsterdam guested on Caroline in the City. We reconnected this year and there was nothing more delightful then seeing a text from her. What a life and career.
— Bill Prady (@billprady) December 29, 2017
RIP Rose Marie, one of the original (and terrific) wisecracking women in comedy. TV would never have been the same without her.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 29, 2017
Sally Rogers was the patron saint of female TV comedy writers. Thank you, Rose Marie for making it seem like so much fun. https://t.co/1XHGiMXs1k
— Nell Scovell (@NellSco) December 29, 2017
Rose Marie was an important female comic voice and an inspiration. RIP you will never be forgotten.
— Caroline Rhea (@CarolineRhea) December 29, 2017
R.I.P. Rose Marie
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) December 29, 2017