Decider Essentials: Elaine Stritch

There are few performers who were as versatile as Elaine Stritch, easily moving between the theater, film, and television and working in all genres — musical comedies to straight-forward dramas. She accomplished much in her 89 years: a Broadway leading lady, a three-time Emmy winner, and a regular face in film. In honor of her passing, here are some of her most memorable moments captured on film.

Company: Original Cast Recording (1971)

Strich shows off her intensity in D. A. Pennebaker’s behind-the-scenes look at the Company cast recording session as she nearly rips apart this classic number.

The Dean Martin Show (1971)

Stritch was not really known as a classic beauty, but she often used her tall stature and her recognizably raspy singing voice to her own comic advantage. In this clip from Dean Martin’s variety show, she sings a song fit for a Disney princess — and is wooed by Ernest Borgnine.

September (1987)

Although she’s primarily known for her comedic roles on film and television, Stritch stretched her dramatic muscles for Woody Allen’s September, in which she plays an aging actress who has a strained relationship with her daughter (Mia Farrow).

Find where to stream September on GoWatchIt.

Law & Order (1992)

Stritch won her first of three Emmys for her role as Lanie Stieglitz, a defense attorney, which she would reprise in 1997.

Law & Order is available to stream on Netflix.

Late Show With David Letterman (1996)

In one of the funniest — and most absurd — bits in late night history, Stritch showed up as a crazed woman who is convinced that Dave Letterman is her pool boy.

CBS This Morning (1996)

“Very little intimidates Elaine Stritch,” says Charles Osgood in this 1996 profile of the actor. Can you think of a bigger understatement?

Small Time Crooks (2000)

Stritch had a minor role as Chi Chi Potter, an ancient socialite in possession of a diamond necklace that dim-witted thieves (played by Woody Allen and Elaine May) attempt to steal in Allen’s underrated comedy Small Time Crooks.

Find where to stream Small Time Crooks on GoWatchIt.

Elaine Stritch at Liberty (2004)

In her Tony-winning one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Stritch shared plenty of recollections from her life in theater — plus some personal history, including the time she went on a date with Marlon Brando.

30 Rock (2009)

Stritch won her third Emmy for her role as Colleen Donaghey, Jack’s mother, and received four more deserved nominations for her various guest stints on the sitcom.

30 Rock is available to stream on Netflix.

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me (2014)

A lovely portrait of a Broadway legend, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me follows the performer as she prepares to leave New York for her home state of Michigan — and as she looks back on her career on stage and screen.

Find where to stream Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me on GoWatchIt.