Will & Grace star Shelley Morrison has died in Los Angeles, it has been announced.
The star, who played squeaky self-centered millionaire Karen Walker’s embattled maid Rosario in the hit US show, died on Sunday of heart failure.
She played the role from 1999 to 2006, appearing in 68 episodes. She was 83.
Devastated fans of the show have taken to twitter to pay tribute to the actress.
One posted: “So truly talented. RIP. This makes me really sad.”
Another put: “We’ll never forget you Rosario… R.I.P. Shelley Morrison.”
(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Rosie was famous for her running battles with alcoholic Karen (Megan Mullally) but the pair were true friends – despite regular put-downs and feuds with her employer.
Originally she was due to appear just once, but the character was so popular writers made her regular.
Before that, she was best known for playing Sister Sixto on The Flying Nun with Sally Field from 1967 to 1970.
She also appeared in films alongside Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn and Salma Hayek.
Shelley decided to call it a day last year – and not return to the show when they returned.
Co-creator Max Mutchnick said: “Shelley has decided to retire.
(Image: Getty Images)
“It was with a heavy heart that she gave us that information and that we received it, but it is the way that it goes. It is a choice that she has made.
“We really wanted Shelley to be a part of this series, so we find ourselves having to figure that out moving forward.
“It was not an easy decision to make, but it’s one that she made.”
