Lee passed away from natural causes on Monday evening at her apartment in New York City. The news was confirmed by her colleague, former Broadway press agent Joshua Ellis.
She was widely recognized for her role as Tiger Lily opposite Mary Martin in Peter Pan, and for originating the character Minnie Fay in the original Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! — performances that cemented her place in theater history.
Throughout her long career, Lee worked alongside and formed friendships with numerous Hollywood legends. She shared the stage and screen with stars including Robert Redford, Angela Lansbury and Betty Grable. Later, she became a respected acting coach, mentoring talents such as Jane Fonda, Sally Field and Amy Adams.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Lee studied ballet at Carnegie Hall under the renowned teacher Vera Nemtchinova. Early in her career, she spent time performing in New Jersey comedy circles alongside entertainers like Buddy Hackett, Red Buttons, Jack Carter and Joey Adams.
After relocating to New York City, she studied with Maureen Stapleton and developed a lifelong friendship with Marlon Brando. In the 1950s, she expanded her career internationally, performing in Europe with La Revue des Ballets de Paris and Ballets: U.S.A. in cities such as Spoleto and Florence.
Lee appeared in a 1958 NBC production of Hansel and Gretel, and in 1960 she was cast by acclaimed Italian director Federico Fellini as an American ballerina in the iconic film La Dolce Vita, which starred Anita Ekberg.
Returning to Broadway, she performed in Hotel Paradiso alongside Bert Lahr and Angela Lansbury, and later co-starred with Robert Redford in Sunday in New York.
In addition to coaching actors, Lee served as a consultant on films including Places in the Heart, The Last of the Mohicans, and The Morning After. Her 2009 memoir, I’ve Slept with Everybody: A Memoir, chronicled five decades in show business with candid reflections and behind-the-scenes stories.
Lee made her final public appearance at Carnegie Hall on June 23, 2025, during the Transport Group’s Hello, Dolly! In Concert. A celebration honoring her life and remarkable career is planned for 2026.
