Joan Hotchkis, a veteran actor, writer, screenwriter and playwright, known for The Odd Couple and Legacy, died on September 27 in Los Angeles. She was 95. Her daughter Paula Chambers said Hotchkis …
, directed by Clint Eastwood, and co-starred with Robby Benson and Glynnis O’Connor as Anna “Mama” Hartley in the cult classic,Hotchkis would go on to write the acting handbook “Not Acting Please” and became a playwright with, Hotchkis was diagnosed with meningioma and had it successfully surgically removedSurviving brain surgery changed Hotchkis’ priorities: she gave up on TV and film and returned to the stage.
Hotchkis was always very interested in social justice, supporting progressive nonprofits and mentoring bright young women from underprivileged backgrounds. She provided critical support to activists, including future head of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, Torie Osborne, and defender of Ethiopian women’s rights, Bogaletch “Boge” Gebre.
As an actor, writer, producer, performance artist, philanthropist, mentor, and friend, Joan Hotchkis inspired countless people with her passion, courage, generosity and delightful blend of elegance and playfulness. She is survived by daughter Paula and many loved ones who will miss her greatly. The memorial will be private, but donations can be made in Hotchkis’ memory to Highways Performance Space, a great organization that supported her fabulous transformation from mainstream actor to performance art crusader for the rights of women, artists and elders.