Lynn Cartwright Cause of Death: How the Actress Passed Away at 76

Lynn Cartwright was a veteran character actress who appeared in several films and television shows from the 1950s to the 1990s. She is best known for her role as the older version of Geena Davis’ character, Dottie Hinson, in the 1992 comedy film A League of Their Own. However, many fans may not know how she died and what led to her demise. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Lynn Cartwright, as well as the cause of her death and the legacy she left behind.

Early Life and Career

Lynn Cartwright was born on February 27, 1927, in McAlester, Oklahoma, as Doralyn E. Cartwright. She was the daughter of U.S. Congressman Wilburn Cartwright and his wife Carrie (née Staggs). She had a younger sister, Wilburta, who became an artist. She also had some relatives who were involved in politics, such as Legislator Buck Cartwright and former Attorney General Jan-Eric Cartwright.

Lynn studied drama at Stephens College and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. There, she met her future husband, Leo Gordon, an ex-convict who turned his life around as an actor and screenwriter. They married in February 1950 and had a daughter, Tara Gordon.

Lynn made her film debut in Black Patch (1957), a western film written by her husband. She also appeared in The Cry Baby Killer (1958), a crime film that marked the debut of Jack Nicholson. She played one of Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Venusian sirens in the sci-fi camp classic Queen of Outer Space (1958). She also had a small role as an elevator supervisor in The Apartment (1960), which won the Oscar for Best Picture.

She also worked on television, appearing in shows such as Rin Tin Tin, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Peter Gunn, Bat Masterson, Highway Patrol, and Adam-12. However, her acting career slowed down in the 1960s and 1970s, as she focused more on raising her daughter and supporting her husband’s writing career.

A League of Their Own and Final Years

Lynn Cartwright’s most memorable role came in 1992, when she was cast as the older Dottie Hinson in A League of Their Own. The film, directed by Penny Marshall, was based on the true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), which operated from 1943 to 1954. Geena Davis played the younger Dottie Hinson, a star catcher and team leader of the Rockford Peaches.

Lynn was chosen for the role not only because she closely resembled Geena Davis, but also because she had similar mannerisms and expressions. She only appeared in the final scenes of the film, when the older Dottie attends the opening of the AAGPBL exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame. There, she reunites with her former teammates and reminisces about their glory days.

The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $132 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and has been considered one of the best sports films ever made. Lynn’s performance was praised for its authenticity and emotion.

Lynn Cartwright retired from acting after A League of Their Own. She spent her final years with her husband Leo Gordon, who died on December 24, 2000. They had been married for 50 years and were considered one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples.

Cause of Death

Lynn Cartwright died on January 2, 2004, at her home in Los Angeles. She was 76 years old. The cause of her death was complications from dementia, which she had been suffering from for several years. She also had a hip fracture that worsened her condition.

Her daughter Tara Gordon announced her death to the public and said that her mother had been “a wonderful actress and a great mom”. She also said that her mother had been proud of her role in A League of Their Own and that she had kept in touch with some of her co-stars from the film.

Lynn Cartwright’s ashes were placed together with those of her husband Leo Gordon in a memorial display at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. They are survived by their daughter Tara Gordon and their stepdaughter Amanda Gordon.

Legacy

Lynn Cartwright may not have been a household name or a leading lady, but she was a talented and versatile actress who left an impression on many viewers with her roles in various genres. She was also a devoted wife and mother who supported her husband’s career and raised their daughter with love and care.

She will always be remembered for her role as the older Dottie Hinson in A League of Their Own, a film that celebrated the achievements and struggles of the women who played baseball during World War II. She embodied the spirit and grace of her character and gave a touching performance that moved many hearts.

Lynn Cartwright was a true professional and a lovely person who left a mark on the film industry and the lives of those who knew her. She will be missed by her fans and her family, but her legacy will live on through her work and her memory.

Doms Desk

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