An American actress who played the lovable and sassy Rosario Salazar on the popular TV show Will & Grace, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her role.
Shelley Morrison, born Rachel Mitrani, was an American actress renowned for her iconic role as Rosario Salazar, the lovable and sassy Salvadoran maid, in the hit NBC comedy series Will & Grace. With a career spanning over five decades, Morrison's portrayal of Rosario remains one of her most memorable and celebrated performances.
Morrison was born on October 26, 1936, in the South Bronx, New York, to Sephardic Jewish parents, Maurice Mitrani and Hortense. She was raised in the Bronx before moving to Los Angeles, California, at the age of ten. Morrison's early life was marked by a strong support for her acting ambitions, with her mother, a homemaker, and her father, a clothing manufacturer, encouraging her to pursue her passion.
Morrison studied acting at Los Angeles City College, which laid the foundation for her successful acting career. Her early film roles included appearances in Divorce American Style and How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life. She also made several television appearances, including four episodes of the western series Laredo, where she played an American Indian, Linda Little Trees.
In 1967, Morrison landed the role of Sister Sixto, a Puerto Rican nun with a penchant for mangling the English language, in the popular sitcom The Flying Nun, starring Sally Field. This role catapulted her to fame, and she went on to appear in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Blume in Love, Breezy, and General Hospital.
In 1999, Morrison was cast as Rosario Salazar, the lovable and loyal maid of Karen Walker (Megan Mullally), in the hit NBC comedy series Will & Grace. Her portrayal of Rosario earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim, with many considering her a fan favorite. Morrison appeared in 64 episodes of the show, as well as a brief cameo in the 2016 webisode supporting Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Throughout her career, Morrison was nominated for several awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for her work on Will & Grace. Her portrayal of Rosario Salazar remains one of her most iconic and enduring roles, cementing her place as a beloved television character.
Morrison's legacy extends beyond her impressive body of work, with her being an inspiration to many in the Latinx community and beyond. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences around the world have made her a cherished figure in the world of entertainment.
In her personal life, Morrison was known for her warm and kind spirit, with many of her colleagues and co-stars sharing fond memories of working with her. She passed away on December 1, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a body of work that continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.
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Academy Award-nominated actress, dancer, and director known for her vibrant performances in films like "Do the Right Thing" and "White Men Can't Jump". She's a trailblazing Latina in Hollywood.
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