Cynthia Harris

Cynthia Lee Harris (August 9, 1934 – October 3, 2021) was an American film, television, and stage actress. She is best known for her roles in the television series Edward & Mrs. Simpson and the sitcom Mad About You.

Life and career Cynthia Lee Harris was born in New York City in 1934, the daughter of Saul Harris, a haberdasher, and his wife, Deborah. She had two brothers, one of whom predeceased her. Interested in the stage from a young age, she began studying theater at age 12 and graduated from Smith College in 1955 with a degree in theater and literature. Harris also studied with George Morrison. For almost two decades, she played "Mrs. B." in television advertisements for the now-defunct department store chain Bradlees.

She made her Broadway debut as an understudy for the drama Natural Affection in 1963.

Death Harris died in New York City on October 3, 2021, at the age of 87. She was survived by her partner, Nathan Silverstein, as well as her brother and extended family. She had suffered from Type 1 diabetes for much of her life.

Filmography Film Year Title Role 1968 Isadora Mary 1972 Up the Sandbox Stella 1973 I Could Never Have Sex with Any Man Who Has So Little Regard for My Husband Laura 1982 Tempest Cynthia 1983 Reuben, Reuben Bobby Springer 1987 Three Men and a Baby Mrs. Hathaway 1991 Mannequin Two: On the Move Mom / Queen 1992 The Distinguished Gentleman Vera Johnson

Television Year Title Role Notes 1975 The Bob Newhart Show Diane Nugent 1 episode 1975 Kojak Helen Fielding 1 episode 1976–1977 Sirota's Court Court Clerk Maureen O'Conner Main cast 1978 Edward and Mrs. Simpson Wallis Warfield Simpson Title role 1979 Husbands, Wives & Lovers Paula Zuckerman Main cast 1979 Three's Company Mrs. Layton 1 episode 1980 Hart to Hart Amanda 1 episode 1981 Archie Bunker's Place Marcie Phillips 2 episodes 1982 Quincy, M.E. Louise Asten 2 episodes 1986–1987 L.A. Law Iris Hubbard Recurring role (season 1) 1987 Izzy and Moe Dallas Carter TV movie 1987 The Equalizer Judge Paula G. Walsh Episode: "Carnal Persuasion" 1987 Everything's Relative Gwen Spaulding 1 episode 1989 Kate & Allie Laurel Jordan 1 episode 1989 American Playhouse Elinor Leopold Episode: "Ask Me Again" 1989–1990 Ann Jillian Sheila Hufnagel Main cast 1990–1994 Murder, She Wrote Phyllis Thurlow / Lauren Delagre 2 episodes 1991 Law & Order Gifford Episode: "Out of Control" 1993 Law & Order Defense Attorney Professor Adele Diamond Episode: "Discord" 1993–1999, 2019 revival Mad About You Sylvia Buchman Recurring role (seasons 2–5, 8), main cast (seasons 6–7) 1994 All My Children Patricia Hale 1997 Law & Order Defense Attorney Professor Adele Diamond Episode: "Passion" 1999 Now and Again Ms. Masters 1 episode 2000 The Geena Davis Show Joyce Cochran 1 episode 2000 An American DaughterCharlotte "Chubby" Hughes TV movie 2004–2007 Rescue Me Mike's Mom 3 episodes