Veteran actress Marcia Ann Burrs, recognized for her memorable performances in numerous sitcoms including Young Sheldon and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday, March 22, at the age of 85. Her family announced the news, confirming she died peacefully with loved ones by her side, though no specific cause of death was disclosed.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, NBC business executive Joe Bures, who held a position at NBC for two decades before passing in January 2020 at age 83.
The actress became a familiar presence on television, amassing countless appearances throughout her extensive career. More recently, she won over a new generation of viewers with a standout role in It’s Always Sunny… She portrayed the former high school sweetheart of Danny DeVito’s character, Frank Reynolds.
At a reunion decades later, he expressed disappointment that she was no longer the wild teenager he remembered, telling her: “I think you’re too old for me.” Her witty retort became an instant classic: “Frank, I’m two years younger than you.” Beyond those roles in Young Sheldon and It’s Always Sunny…, she graced several major sitcoms including Frasier, That ’70s Show, Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, Moonlighting and The King of Queens.
Burrs also demonstrated her dramatic range with notable appearances in Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Bones, Monk, and Station 19, among other series.
Her film work included appearances in Rob Reiner’s Rumor Has It in 2005 and Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring in 2013. She also captured hearts portraying Mrs Claus in two beloved Hallmark television productions – Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus in 2004 and Meet the Santas in 2005.
An outpouring of condolences emerged as word of her passing spread. One Facebook user expressed: “R.I.P. Prayers for her family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Another reminisced about her festive performances, stating: “Loved those movies!! Have not been able to find them in years! Loved her as Mrs. Claus! Prayers to her family!”
A third supporter added: “Sending prayers to her family, friends and colleagues.” A fourth tribute read: “As we mourn the loss of Marcia Ann Burrs at 85, we remember a beloved star whose performances lit up our screens and hearts. From festive Hallmark classics to memorable TV roles, her legacy endures in the joy she brought to audiences everywhere.”