Renowned actress Lynne Marta, celebrated for her performances in Love, American Style, and the iconic 1984 film Footloose, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 78 on January 11, succumbing to cancer.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Marta’s close friend Joan Sobel remembered her as “a beautiful light,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the exceptionally talented actress and singer, known for her angelic voice.
Born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, NJ, Marta embarked on her television career in 1966 and remained an active presence in the industry until her role in a 2004 episode of the NBC drama series American Dreams.
Notably, she also had a significant run on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, making appearances in 24 episodes spanning from 1983 to 2003.
Lynne Marta was a great name on television
People saw Lynne Marta on TV a lot from the 1960s to the 1990s.
She appeared in many shows like The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, CHiPs, Matt Houston, Designing Women, Law & Order, The Young and the Restless, Crossing Jordan, Then Came Bronson, Dan August, Cannon, Mod Squad, The Rookies, The F.B.I., Gunsmoke, Marcus Welby, M.D., and Kojak.
She was also in four episodes of Starsky and Hutch with her on-screen love interest David Soul from 1975 to 1979.
Marta became well-known as a regular cast member on Love, American Style Players, a comedy series that ran from 1969 to 1974. This recognition was partly because of her role in the 1972 Clint Eastwood Western, Joe Kidd.
In 1983, Marta joined Days of Our Lives as Charlene Higgins for a season. She later popped up on the show in 1993 and 2003, playing different characters.
Many folks remember Marta from her part as Lulu Warnicker in the 1984 movie Footloose, where she starred alongside John Lithgow, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kevin Bacon.
After Footloose, Marta appeared in the 1990 films Three Men and a Little Lady and The First Power. During the 1990s, she showed up on Law & Order and in various made-for-TV films.
Her last on-screen roles were in the early 2000s, including the 2002 film Time of Fear, several episodes of ER, Crossing Jordan, and a 2004 episode of American Dreams.
Known for her “open relationship” with Starsky and Hutch star David Soul during the show’s 1970s run, Lynne Marta never tied the knot. Sadly, on January 4, David Soul, aged eighty, passed away.
Lynne Marta experienced a significant moment in her film career
Lynne Marta had a standout career in the movies, hitting a high point with her role in the 1972 Clint Eastwood film, Joe Kidd.
But it was her role as Aunt Lulu Warnicker in the well-loved movie Footloose in 1984 that really stuck with people. Despite having a small part, Marta became known for her unforgettable portrayal of a gossip.
Sadly, Marta’s passing, just five years after her role in Footloose, solidified her lasting legacy in Hollywood. Her connection to Rebecca Schaeffer, the actress from My Sister Sam, added an emotional layer to her story.
Living next door to Schaeffer in the same West Hollywood apartment building, Marta played a crucial role as an eyewitness during the trial of Schaeffer’s stalker, ultimately leading to a life sentence for the perpetrator.
When Lynne Marta shared her story in court, she talked about dialing 911 right away after hearing gunshots. She described the scary scene and the unsettling aftermath.
Her detailed account, as told by the Los Angeles Times, gave a clear picture of the tragic event and played a key role in making sure justice was served for Schaeffer.
Lynne Marta is remembered by her sister, marking the conclusion of a noteworthy chapter in Hollywood history.
