Barbara Barrie, whose long acting career included “Barney Miller” and “Suddenly Susan,” died Wednesday at home in Manhattan, TVLine has confirmed. She was 95 and had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
A representative for Barrie tells TVLine that the actress’ death “was medically assisted in accordance with the New York State Medical Aid in Dying law, of which she was a proponent and advocate.”
Barrie’s acting career began in the 1950s and included work in television, theater, and film. Some of her best-known TV roles were that of the title character’s wife, Elizabeth, on “Barney Miller;” and of Helen — or “Nana” to Brooke Shield’s Susan — on “Suddenly Susan.”
She was nominated for three Emmys: two Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nods (for “Breaking Away” in 1981 and “Law & Order” in 1992) and one Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series nomination (for “Law & Order: SVU” in 2003). She also was nominated for an Oscar for the film version of “Breaking Away.”
Barrie’s other TV work includes “The Twilight Zone,” “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” “Diana,” “Lou Grant,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Double Trouble,” “Family Ties,” “thirtysomething,” “Dead Like Me,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Army Wives,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Enlightened.”
She is survived by her daughter, Jane Harnick; her son, Aaron Harnick; and three granddaughters.
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