Anna Strasberg died January 6, at the age of 84. The news was confirmed by The Strasberg Institute on Instagram.
The widow of the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg, Ms. Strasberg dedicated much of her life to maintaining his Method technique following his death in 1982. A co-founder of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, she served as the artistic director of the company for many years.
"It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we mourn the passing of Anna Strasberg, co-founder, artistic director, and visionary leader of The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute," reads the online tribute.
"Anna ensured that The Institute became a beacon for aspiring actors, and remains a cherished space for artistic exploration and growth. Her lifelong commitment to The Method and unwavering devotion to The Institute have left an indelible mark on the world of acting and the countless talented people she inspired.
"Her presence will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through The Method and every class of passionate students.
"In this time of sorrow, our hearts are with Anna’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched."
In addition to her work with the institute, Ms. Strasberg managed her husband's estate, as well as the estate of Marilyn Monroe, which had been left to Mr. Strasberg in Ms. Monroe's will. As the controller of Ms. Monroe's IP rights, Ms. Strasberg handled the licensing and commercial rights of Ms. Monroe's image through CMG Worldwide and Authentic Brands Group, expanding Ms. Monroe's legacy and the inescapable prevalence of her image throughout pop culture.
Born April 16, 1939, in Caracas, Venezuela, Ms. Strasberg came to the United States in 1960, working for the United Nations while appearing as an actor in Stay Tuned for Terror, Run for Your Life, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Riot on Sunset Strip, The Rat Patrol, The Felony Squad, and Judd for the Defense.
She met Mr. Strasberg at The Actors Studio, and the pair were married in 1967.
Ms. Strasberg is survived by her sons, David (the current artistic director and CEO of the Strasberg Institute), and Adam, as well as her daughters-in-law Lindsey and Nora; her grandchildren Gwendolyn, Scarlett, Sawyer, Owen and Asher; her sisters Victoria and Elena; her nephew Sasha; and her goddaughter, Drew Barrymore.
