Broadway star Sondra Lee, who worked with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, dies at 97

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Broadway theater actress Sondra Lee, who worked in the industry for over 60 years, has died at 97.

Lee passed away from natural causes in her New York City apartment on Monday evening.

The announcement was made by her colleague Joshua Ellis, a former Broadway press agent.

The actress was most famous for her role as Tiger Lily alongside Mary Martin in Peter Pan. She also first played the character Minnie Fay when Hello, Dolly! originally premiered.

The blonde worked with and befriended several A-list Hollywood stars.

Throughout her career, she worked alongside many famous actors, including Robert Redford, Angela Lansbury, and Betty Grable. She even helped coach Jane Fonda and Amy Adams, and made a brief appearance in the classic 1960 film La Dolce Vita with Anita Ekberg.

Lee grew up in New Jersey and studied ballet in Carnegie Hall with Vera Nemtchinova.

Early in her acting career, while performing in New Jersey, she had the chance to work alongside comedy legends like Buddy Hackett, Red Buttons, Jack Carter, and Joey Adams.

After relocating to New York City, she studied acting with Maureen Stapleton and befriended Marlon Brando, a relationship that lasted for many years.

Oh my gosh, in the 50s she was everywhere in Europe! She was working with La Revue des Ballets de Paris and then with Ballets: U.S.A. – can you imagine?! – and she did it all in gorgeous places like Spoleto and Florence. It’s just… breathtaking to think about!

I’ll never forget the moment I first saw her in La Dolce Vita. Fellini gave her a beautiful role – an American ballerina, appearing at that incredible final party. It was a small part, but she completely captivated me in it.

Lee then went back to Broadway to work on Hotel Paradiso starring Bert Lahr and Angela Lansbury.

An she costarred with Robert Redford on Sunday In New York.

She went on to become a coach, working with prominent actresses like Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and Amy Adams. She also provided her expertise as a consultant on films including Places in the Heart, The Last of the Mohicans, and The Morning After.

Lee’s last public performance was on June 23, 2025, at Carnegie Hall, where she appeared in the Transport Group’s concert version of Hello, Dolly!

Her 2009 memoir, I’ve Slept with Everybody: A Memoir, Lee chronicled 50 years of show business.

A celebration of Lee’s life and career will take place sometime in 2026.

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2026-02-25 21:03