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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney & Mollie Quirk

M*A*S*H star Eileen Saki dies as tributes pour in for 'sassy Rosie' actress

M*A*S*H actress Eileen Saki, who played the role of Rosie in the hit television series, has died at the age of 79, it has been confirmed.

"Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie," Eileen's former co-star Jeff Maxwell wrote on Facebook as he confirmed the sad news on the MASH Matters Podcast page.

"On behalf of her husband Bob, we extend sincere appreciation for the hundreds of M*A*S*H fans who filled Eileen’s final days with peace, encouragement, and love.

"She read every email and responded to as many as she could. Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How we will miss you."

M*A*S*H actress Eileen Saki has died aged 79 (Facebook/mashmatterspodcast)

TMZ reports that family sources have confirmed Eileen passed away in Los Angeles on Monday (May 1) after a battle with cancer.

Eileen is best-known for portraying the role of Rosie in M*A*S*H, with her being the last and longest-running actress to play the role after taking over from two previous actresses.

Rosie was the proprietor of Rosie's Bar, which was the local bar for any G.I. to relax after a long day.

The beloved actress is reported to have had a long battle with cancer (imdb / CBS)

Eileen also starred in Policewomen back in 1974, Meteor in 1979, comedy film Splash back in 1984, and History of the World, Part I in 1981.

Fans were quick to pay tribute to the beloved actress when the news was announced on the TV show's podcast page.

"Rest in peace and God Bless, Eileen Saki. Your work on MASH brought a lot of smiles! Praying for her family and all those mourning her passing," penned one adoring fan.

She was the third of three actors to take on the role of Rosie in the hit series (imdb / CBS)

A second person wrote: "Sayonara Rosie! I’ll be having a drink in your honor tonight!"

While a third said: "May she rest in peace and may the memories of her always be a blessing to her family, friends and fans!"

Elieen's M*A*S*H co-star Jeff added another tribute to the podcast's Facebook page, with him emotionally writing: "A special woman, Eileen captivated you with a twinkle and smile in her soul. I am very grateful to have had that experience. It’s one I will cherish forever."

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