It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Shelley Morrison, an actress whose unforgettable performances brought joy to countless fans. Her publicist, Lori DeWaal, confirmed to Closer Weekly that Morrison passed away at the age of 83. The Associated Press broke the news of her passing, revealing that she died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a brief illness due to heart failure. Let’s take a moment to reflect on her incredible life and legacy.
A Star Who Stole Our Hearts as Rosario
Shelley Morrison may have initially been cast for just one episode of the iconic sitcom Will & Grace, but her portrayal of Rosario Salazar quickly turned her into a household name. Fans fell in love with her sharp wit, humor, and the undeniable charm she brought to the role. Over eight seasons, from 1999 to 2006, Morrison appeared in a total of 68 episodes, becoming a beloved series regular. Her character became so integral to the show that it’s hard to imagine Will & Grace without her.
More Than Just a Maid: Rosario's Impact
In a statement shared by her husband, Walter Dominguez, Morrison expressed immense pride in playing Rosario. "Shelley’s greatest joy as an actress was in portraying the indomitable Rosario," Dominguez said. "She was proud to be part of a comedy series that championed social equity and fairness for LGBTQ people." Morrison herself once reflected on how much Rosario reminded her of her own mother—a woman who loved animals and children but wouldn't tolerate fools. Through her character, Morrison gave voice to an older, Hispanic woman who was intelligent, resilient, and unapologetically herself.
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Her husband added, "She believed that the best way to change hearts and minds was through comedy." Beyond her career, Morrison cherished her 64-year marriage to filmmaker Walter Dominguez. Together, they built a loving family, including children and grandchildren adopted through traditional Native American ceremonies. Her legacy extends far beyond her acting career; it’s rooted in the love and connection she shared with those around her.
A Legacy Remembered by Her Costars
The Will & Grace family has been vocal about their grief following Morrison's passing. Eric McCormack paid tribute to her on Twitter, saying, "Shelley was a beautiful soul & a wonderful actor. Her work as Rosario, season after season, was as nuanced and real as it was hysterical. She will be missed by everyone at #WillandGrace—she's a huge part of it." His words capture the depth of Morrison's contribution to the show and the mark she left on its cast.
Debra Messing also took to social media to honor her late costar. "Oh, Shelley… what a loss," she wrote. "Our dear Rosario has passed on. Shelley had a career that spanned decades, but she will always be our dear Rosie. All my love to Walter and the entire family." These heartfelt messages highlight not only Morrison's talent but also the profound impact she had on those who worked alongside her.
A Career That Spanned Six Decades
Shelley Morrison's journey in entertainment began over 60 years ago, and her versatility as an actress is nothing short of remarkable. From playing Sister Sixto in The Flying Nun alongside Sally Field to bringing life to Linda Little Trees in Laredo, Morrison consistently delivered memorable performances. Just this past October, she celebrated her 83rd birthday, proving that age was never a barrier to her passion for acting.
As we remember Shelley Morrison, let’s celebrate the incredible woman who graced our screens with her presence and touched our hearts with her humor and authenticity. Her legacy will live on through the characters she brought to life and the lives she touched both on and off camera.
