Eileen Brennan Biography

Eileen Brennan, born as Verla Eileen Regina Brennan, was an American actress. She first came into prominence for her supporting role in the 1971 drama film ‘The Last Picture Show’ which garnered her a BAFTA Award nomination. She achieved further success with her role as Doreen Lewis in the 1980 comedy ‘Private Benjamin’ for which she earned an Oscar nomination. Brennan also worked in television, earning Emmy Award nominations for her guest appearances in ‘Thirtysomething,’ ‘Taxi,’ ‘Newhart,’ and ‘Will & Grace.’ Born to a doctor and a silent film actress, she studied at Georgetown University and later attended American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She started her career during her college days, initially appearing in theatrical productions and eventually transitioning to films. From 1968 to 1974, the talented actress was married to British photographer cum poet David Lampson with whom she had two sons. In 1990, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for which she was successfully treated. Brennan eventually died in July 2013 due to bladder cancer, at the age of 80.