Eileen Brennan was an American actress of film, television, and theater who departed this life at the age of 80 due to cancer. Best known for her role in the movie "Private Benjamin" for which she received an Oscar nomination, she also won the role for the TV adaptation, winning both a Golden Globe and Emmy for her performance. Born 1932 in Los Angeles, California, Brennan started her career in 1959 singing “Habanera, Carmen” in Tyne Tee's Television's opening night live show which won her an Obie award. Brennan went on in 1964 to create the role of Irene Malloy in the original production of “Hello, Dolly!” In 1971 she received a BAFTA nomination for her role in the 1971 classic film “Best Picture Show.” In 1980 she performed in the movie “Private Benjamin” earning her an Academy Award nomination. The next year she received an Emmy nomination for her guest-starring role in the TV series “Taxi.” Brennan won an Emmy Award for the television adaptation of “Private Benjamin” in 1983. Later in her life, in
