Actress Marla Gibbs’ co-star on the iconic 1970s sitcom Maude, Thelma Carpenter, has died at age 85 after a battle with lung cancer.
Thelma Carpenter, Known for Her Role as Victoria Butterfield, Dies at 85
Thelma Carpenter, a talented actress and singer, passed away recently.
- Thelma Carpenter, known for her role on the sitcom Maude, died at 85.
- She succumbed to lung cancer after a months-long fight.
- Carpenter had a career spanning theater and film, with a Broadway debut in 1969.
- She appeared alongside James Earl Jones in the 1970 film The Great White Hope.
Thelma Carpenter, a familiar face from 1970s television, has passed away at the age of 85. Her sister, Chequites, confirmed that Carpenter died following a several-month struggle with lung cancer. The actress had a notable career that included a Broadway debut in 1969, earning her the Clarence Derwent award.
Who played Victoria Butterfield in Maude? Thelma Carpenter is perhaps best remembered for her role as Victoria Butterfield, the housekeeper in the final seasons of the popular 1970s sitcom Maude.
Carpenter’s career began in earnest a year after her Broadway debut. In 1970, she shared the screen with James Earl Jones in the boxing drama The Great White Hope. Six years later, she appeared in a satirical drama produced by Sidney Lumet.
Following her memorable stint on Maude, Carpenter’s career saw a shift. From the late 1970s onward, she primarily took on guest roles in episodic television, appearing in shows like Emergency! and Police Story.
Before her acting career, Carpenter explored ballet and acrobatics. However, she ultimately found her calling in acting, carving out a significant niche in the entertainment industry.
