Stars Remember the Late Marj Dusay (EXCLUSIVE)

“She was a real powerhouse, a force of nature. I had the rare opportunity to work with her on two different shows, two different characters, both of them with her playing my mother. She was brilliant in both roles. Marj just had that spark of life that radiated from her. Years after working with her at GL, I was cast as David on AMC, and they decided to bring someone in to play my mother. They auditioned several actresses, and I asked [casting director] Judy Wilson who they were leaning toward. And she mentioned Marj. I said, ‘That would be fantastic. She played my mother on GL.’ Judy thought that the network wouldn’t want someone who played my mother on another show, but everybody agreed that Marj was the best actress for the role. And she was brilliant. I adored working with her. She was fearless as an actress, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to work with her.”

“Marj was a master class in acting: so focused and yet always with a sense of humor. She taught me a lot, and I’ll always be grateful. Condolences to her family.”

“I am so sorry to hear about the passing of the great Marj Dusay. I will remember her as the most generous and patient partner for me as my TV mother when I was a young and inexperienced actor on AMC so many years ago. So sweet, yet so much sass! You were a force, and I’ll never forget you, Mama.”

“The first time I met Marj was at my audition. We read scenes together and hit it off immediately. She and I just had that thing that no one can explain: chemistry. She was my sister, and I was her brother. And we not only adored each other off the set, but we adored each other on the set, even though our characters wanted to rip each other’s heads off all the time! She was always positive, and loved to laugh. Last year, Justin Deas (Buzz), Peter Simon (Ed), Jay Hammer (Fletcher) and myself went over and had tea with her and regaled ourselves with old war stories. She was just so excited. And we are all just so thrilled that we did that. It was quite special. I’ve heard from all those guys, saying, ‘I’m so glad we went to see her.’ Marj was a wonderful human being, and I’m so glad that she was in my life.”

“Marj was such a classy and funny woman. She was a force! She was one of the first people I met when I started at AMC, and she made me feel so welcome. I was in awe of her performances as crazy Vanessa. She played that character like no one else could! I got to share a few scenes with her, which were always so fun. I am so sad and shocked to hear of her passing. What a class act who will truly be missed.”

“I can’t believe I kissed the girl in jeopardy on the original HAWAII FIVE-0, CANNON, BARNABY JONES, etc. — and she still has me laughin’. She was cheerful to the end, hosting ‘tea parties’ for GL refugees. I wish I could kiss both her cheeks again. Love you always, Alexandra… Fletcher.”

“When Palmer and Opal divorced, I foolishly thought I’d get a new, possibly younger love interest to spice up Opal’s life. But, as in real life, the rich old guy had his ex replaced in the blink of an eye, while poor Opal languished in oblivion. And I will confess, actors can feel a bit territorial when their TV spouse gets involved with someone new; it’s just a fact. But then I met Marj! She was so funny and arch in her comedy, so smart and ready for anything, how could I not love her?!? She was a wonderful addition to Pine Valley, and those of us with the good fortune to have known her will feel her loss.”

“Despite years of suffering from significant back problems, Marj was always the bright light in the room. She had an attitude of gratitude and had the best sense of humor. Marj was so resilient and persevering. I simply adored her and will miss her terribly.”

“It’s so sad that we have lost Marj. I’m sure you’re hearing from everyone what a pro she was. And how funny and talented as well. All true. I loved working with Marj for all of those reasons, but for something else as well: Marj always had a wonderful, calming effect on everyone on set. It was as though she sucked up angst and negativity and turned it into that wonderful unexpected laugh of hers. I never saw her lose her cool. She will truly be missed.”

“Marj use to laugh at all my jokes, even when they were so not funny. That’s love. And I really loved her in return. RIP, Marj. See you on the other side.”

“Marj Dusay was one of my favorite actresses on AMC. Her character was larger than life and over the top, but Marj made her human and authentic in her madness. She was always so fun to work with, because she really went for it and committed, and I was fascinated by her. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a wonderful woman.”

“Oh, I loved Marj! She was great because she was from, I think, the northwest corner of Kansas, but she was playing this sort of New England, patrician [matriarch]… She always had a little sort of country devil running through her. I loved her.”

“I feel so deeply honored and blessed to have known and created so many unforgettable memories with my Marji-poo. She was more than just a co-star… she was an incredible friend, mentor and an overall blessing in my life. Someone so precious doesn’t come around often, if at all! I will forever carry her and our many memories in my heart. I love you, Marji!”

“I’ll never forget how gracious and welcoming Marj was when I first got to AMC, [which was] one of my very first jobs. She taught me so much, both directly and indirectly, as simply getting the chance to see her work was a master class in how to be an actor. News of her passing is sad, but the memories it has brought flooding back are pure joy.”