The Drew Carey Show: Character Actress Nan Martin Dies

Nan Martin, an actress with an impressive and long career, has passed away at the age of 82. She died in Malibu yesterday due to complications from emphysema.

Martin spent more than half a century on the stage, earned a Tony nomination in 1960, and was featured in Joseph Papp’s Shakespeare productions in New York. She also appeared in numerous films, like Toys in the Attic, For the Love of Ivy, and even A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and Shallow Hal. In films, she’s perhaps best remembered for playing the snobby mother in Goodbye, Columbus.

On television, she embodied acerbic Mrs. Dotty Louder, Drew Carey’s mean-spirited boss on The Drew Carey Show. Martin also guested on numerous other shows including Las Vegas, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Mr. Sunshine.

She appeared in two different episodes of The Golden Girls. In the memorable episode, “It’s a Miserable Life,” she was told to “drop dead” by sweet Rose (Betty White) and she promptly did.

Martin reportedly suffered a stroke in the 1980s but kept working until just a few years ago. She is survived by her husband, Harry Gesner, and two sons; Casey Dolan and Zen Gesner.