Cher leads tributes to Steel Magnolias star Olympia Dukakis: ‘RIP dear one’

Cher has led the stars paying tribute to Olympia Dukakis following the Oscar winner’s death aged 89. 

The singer, 74, took to Twitter to share her sorrow at the news, writing: ‘Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing,Academy Award Winning Actress.Olympia Played My Mom In Moonstruck,& Even Though Her Part was That Of a Suffering Wife, We [laughed] ALL The Time.

‘She Would Tell Me How MUCH She Loved Louis,Her ”Handsome Talented, Husband”. I Talked To Her 3Wks Ago. Rip Dear One.’

Viola Davis added: ‘RIP Olympia Dukakis…the consummate actor. You made all around you step up their game. A joy to work with. Rest well. “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.’

George Takei posted: ‘Olympia Dukakis has departed our company. We were Moonstruck by her, as she told us great Tales of the City. 

‘A true Steel Magnolia within a more common forest. Ah, what a life force, her later years her best. Rest now among the heavens, Olympia.’

Co-star Kirstie Alley wrote: ‘Oh my.. Olympia Dukakis has passed away.. She will forever be young in my mind and be my loving movie mother. When will I learn that people do not live forever & the time to engage is NOW?.. RIP.’

Olympia’s brother Apollo had confirmed the news of her death on his Facebook page, writing: ‘My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City.

‘After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [husband] Louis [Zorich].’

Olympia had been married to fellow actor Louis Zorich since 1962 until his death in January 2018 at the age of 93, with the pair sharing three children.

Olympia, whose cause of death has not yet been confirmed, is survived by daughter Christina and sons Peter and Stefan.

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