Marjorie Gross was a talented and successful writer and producer who worked on some of the most popular and acclaimed comedy shows of the 1990s, such as Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, and Get a Life. She was also a stand-up comedian who performed at various clubs in New York and Los Angeles. But behind her witty and hilarious scripts, she was battling a deadly disease that eventually claimed her life at the age of 40. How did Marjorie Gross die and how did she cope with her illness? Here is a brief overview of her life, career, and cause of death.
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Early Life and Career
Marjorie Gross was born on April 18, 1956, in New York City, while her mother was visiting family in the city. She was raised in Toronto, Ontario, where she attended Branksome Hall, a prestigious girls’ school. She was known as a class clown who loved to make people laugh. She started her career in comedy doing stand-up at local clubs, later moving to New York City. At the age of 19, she auditioned for Saturday Night Live during its infamous 1980-1981 season, but failed to land a role on the show. However, she became friends with some of the cast members, such as Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner.
She began writing for television in 1981, when she joined the sitcom Square Pegs, starring Sarah Jessica Parker. She wrote for numerous other television shows such as Newhart and Alf. She also appeared in various theatrical performances such as the off-Broadway production The Trojan Woman at Club 57 and the Callboard Theater production of Livin Dolls in Los Angeles.
Seinfeld and Other Shows
Gross joined Seinfeld as a writer in 1994, after co-creator Larry David saw her work on The Larry Sanders Show, where she served as a supervising producer and wrote an episode titled “Out of the Loop”. She also worked as a writer and producer on Get a Life, starring Chris Elliott. While writing for TV, she continued to perform at stand-up clubs and appeared on The David Letterman Show.
She wrote four episodes for Seinfeld: “The Fusilli Jerry”, “The Understudy”, “The Shower Head”, and “The Secretary”. She was responsible for bringing Bette Midler to the show, as she was a longtime friend of hers. According to co-writer Carol Leifer, Midler’s appearance in The Understudy was secured because of Gross’s connection after other big-name actresses declined the role. In 1996, Gross was an Emmy Award nominee for her work on Seinfeld.
Cancer Diagnosis and Death
In 1995, Gross was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a disease that had also afflicted her mother and grandmother. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer spread to other parts of her body. She decided to face her illness with humor and courage, writing a candid and funny article about her experience titled “Cancer Becomes Me”, which appeared in the print edition of the April 15, 1996 issue of The New Yorker. In the article, she joked about losing her hair, gaining weight, and dating while having cancer. She also expressed her gratitude for her friends, family, and colleagues who supported her during her ordeal.
She died on June 7, 1996, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 40. “The Foundation”, Seinfeld’s eighth-season premiere was dedicated to her memory. Her friends and co-workers remembered her as a brilliant and hilarious writer who never lost her sense of humor even in the face of death.
Legacy and Influence
Marjorie Gross was one of the few women writers and producers in the male-dominated field of comedy in the 1980s and 1990s. She broke barriers and stereotypes with her sharp and original scripts that showcased her unique voice and perspective. She influenced many other comedians and writers who admired her work and style. She also inspired many people who were dealing with cancer or other serious illnesses with her positive attitude and courage.
Marjorie Gross cause of death may have been tragic, but her life was full of laughter and joy. She left behind a legacy of comedy that will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come.
