WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17, episode 8!The finale ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17 concludes with a heartwarmingtribute to Lynne Marie Stewart, who has made a remarkable, enduring impact on the series throughout her 20-year tenure. Lynne Marie Stewart joinedIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s castback in season 1 as Charlie’s mother, Bonnie Kelly, and was a recurring staple for the next 16 seasons of the hit sitcom.
After appearing in some ofIt’s Always Sunny’s best episodeslike “A Very Sunny Christmas” and “Old Lady House: A Situational Comedy,” Lynne Marie Stewart’s final scenes occur in season 17’s “The Golden Bachelor Live.” Following the reveal that Frank chose Sam over Bonnie and Chewy,It’s Always Sunnycuts to an “In Loving Memory of Lynne Marie Stewart” title card with clips of her iconic moments from the series.
Bonnie Kelly Actress Lynne Marie Stewart Passed Away In February 2025
Sadly, Lynne Marie Stewart passed away on July 21, 2025 at the age of 78.The New York Timesreported that her cause of death was cancer, with a tumor having been found near her gallbladder and liver in December 2024.
Stewart’s passing occurred nearly five months prior to the premiere ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17, marking her final posthumous release. Across 17 seasons, Stewart appeared in 19 total episodes ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, making her one of the most frequent recurring actors on the series.
Given how outstanding, hilarious, and meaningful Stewart’s contributions were toIt’s Always Sunnysince its inaugural season, her tribute at the end of “The Golden Bachelor Live” episode is just a brief encapsulation of how greatly she’ll be missed. After a dedication to the actress in the season 17 finale, it’s expected thatIt’s Always Sunnyseason 18will follow suit with a tribute to her character’s legacy.
Lynne Marie Stewart’s Other Movie & TV Roles Explained
WhileIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiastands out among her best roles, Lynne Marie Stewart’s iconic career in comedy long predated the hit FX show. After being a member of The Groundlings comedy troupe throughout the 1970s (later also joined byIt’s Always Sunny’s Kaitlin Olson), Stewart most memorably starred in the cast ofThe Pee-wee Herman ShowandPee-wee’s Playhousein the 1980s.
Some of Lynne Marie Stewart’s other sitcoms credits outsideIt’s Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaincludeMASH,Laverne & Shirley,The Golden Girls, andRaising Hope. The actress’ film roles also include the comedyBridesmaids,George Lucas’American Graffiti, Tim Burton’sPee-wee’s Big Adventure, and 1987’sThe Running Man.
