Conchata Ferrell, a three-time Emmy nominee who appeared in more than 200 episodes of?Two and a Half Men?and was a regular on?L.A. Law?s sixth season, died Monday at Sherman Oaks Hospital of complications following a cardiac arrest. She was 77. She died peacefully surrounded by family.
Ferrell probably is best known for her role as no-nonsense housekeeper Berta on the hit CBS comedy Two and a Half Men. The role earned her a pair of Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy nominations in 2005 and 2007.
She was a beautiful human,? Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer said. ?I?m crying for the woman I?ll miss, and the joy she brought so many.? Added fellow Men star Charlie Sheen, ?An absolute sweetheart, a consummate pro, a genuine friend. Berta, your housekeeping was a tad suspect, your ?people? keeping was perfect.?
The veteran actress also nominated in Emmy nomination in 1992 for her role as Susan Bloom on?L.A. Law.?She was a regular on that Emmy-winning series during its sixth season. Her other notable TV series include?Good Times, ER, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, BJ and the Bear?and?Grace and Frankie.
Ferrell was an accomplished stage actress. She gained success off-Broadway as an original member of the Circle Repertory Theatre. For her appearance as Gertrude Blum in Edward J. Moore?s The Sea Horse, she received a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award and an Obie Award for Best Actress in 1974. Her role as April Green in Lanford Wilson?s Hot L Baltimore led her to Los Angeles and a starring role in the 1975 Norman Lear series of the same name.
Lear called Ferrell ?one of the dearest people and most amazing talents I have ever worked with.?
Other notable productions Ferrell appeared in include Battle of Angels in 1974 by Tennessee Williams (later known as Orpheus Descending), and Picnic by William Inge at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.
?Conchata Ferrell was exactly the kind of artist for whom we created our theater ? a deeply honest performer who would inspire our playwrights to create roles for her,? said Circle Rep?s founding artistic director, Marshall W. Mason. ?She was our first home-grown star.?