Who is the actress in this 1977 photo who moved from late-’60s pop singles to a wise-eyed nurse on a wartime comedy and the long-suffering wife in a Brooklyn classroom sitcom
The year was 1977 — the golden glow of Hollywood’s television era — and the woman in that photograph was already a familiar face to millions. Her name was Marcia Strassman
Born on April 28, 1948, in New York City and raised in New Jersey, Marcia Strassman began her career not in acting, but in music. In the late 1960s, she released a series of pop singles, including
After her brief stint as a recording artist, Strassman found her calling in television. She began appearing in small roles throughout the early 1970s, cutting her teeth on shows like
As one of the few recurring female characters in a show dominated by strong male personalities, Strassman brought empathy and grace to the chaos of the Korean War setting. Her portrayal was subtle yet memorable: her Nurse Cutler was smart, wry, and deeply human — a quiet counterbalance to the antics of Hawkeye and Trapper John.
After MASH*, Strassman continued to work steadily across film and television, but her next defining role came in the mid-1970s. She was cast as Julie Kotter, the patient, funny, and long-suffering wife of Gabe Kotter in the hit sitcom
Audiences loved her honesty and warmth. She wasn’t written as a glamorous sitcom wife, but as a real one — practical, nurturing, and occasionally exasperated, yet always loving. Her rapport with Kaplan made the Kotters feel like a genuine couple, giving heart to a series known for its punchlines.
By the time the 1980s rolled around, Strassman had firmly established herself as a reliable television presence, but she also began exploring film. After guest appearances in shows like Magnum, P.I.
In 1989, she starred opposite Rick Moranis in Disney’s family adventure
The film was a massive box office success, spawning two sequels: Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997), both of which saw Strassman return to the role. For countless viewers, she became the ultimate “movie mom” — kind, witty, and steady in the face of absurdity.
Off-screen, she was much the same. Colleagues often described her as thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly strong. Strassman wasn’t drawn to the spotlight or celebrity gossip; she preferred her work to speak for itself. And it did — across genres and decades.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, she appeared in a range of projects that showcased her versatility. She took part in the dystopian TV adaptation Brave New World (1998), played recurring roles in
Beyond her screen work, Strassman was also known for her advocacy and resilience. In the later years of her life, she became a vocal supporter of cancer research and awareness, after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Even as she battled the disease privately, she continued to work, lend her voice to causes she cared about, and inspire those around her.
Marcia Strassman passed away on October 24, 2014, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and professionalism that touched everyone she worked with. Tributes poured in from fellow actors and fans who remembered her warmth both on and off the screen.
Looking back, Marcia Strassman’s career reads like a love letter to consistency and authenticity. She wasn’t the loudest voice in Hollywood, but she was one of its most genuine. From her early days as a pop singer to her memorable turns as Nurse Cutler, Julie Kotter, and Diane Szalinski, she showed that true acting lies not in spectacle, but in connection — in making people feel seen, understood, and comforted.
In an industry obsessed with reinvention, Strassman never needed to reinvent herself. She simply evolved — gracefully, sincerely, and on her own terms. The woman in that 1977 photograph didn’t chase fame; she built a career on humanity.
And that’s why, even years after her passing, Marcia Strassman remains unforgettable — not just as a face from the past, but as a reminder of what television and film can be at their best: honest, heartfelt, and beautifully human.
Ivanka Shares Sweet Video of Son Theo Playing Piano for Grandfather at the White House
President Donald Trump’s first daughter, Ivanka Trump, delighted her fans on X (formerly Twitter) with a touching new video of her son, Theodore “Theo” Kushner, spending a memorable time with his grandfather inside the White House. President Trump says, “You’re good,” in a proud, grandfatherly tone, as he puts a hand on his grandson’s shoulder and smiles as Theo finishes his piece.
The straightforward, sincere conversation swiftly won over hearts on social media, with many people complimenting the former president and his grandson on their lovely relationship. Only a few months before his grandfather’s victory in the 2016 presidential election, Theodore James Kushner was born in March of that year.
As a senior advisor in her father’s administration, Ivanka has frequently discussed the significance of striking a balance between her public responsibilities and her role as a mother to Arabella, Joseph, and Theo. Events like this serve as a reminder to the public of the Trump family’s close familial ties behind the scenes, even though they have frequently made headlines for political reasons.
Well-wishers poured their best wishes into Ivanka’s post’s comments section, describing the video as “adorable,” “precious,” and “a beautiful moment in American history.” Ivanka, who has mostly distanced herself from public politics in recent years to prioritize her family, occasionally posts updates about her kids, frequently emphasizing their accomplishments in school, outdoor activities, and musical interests.
