Elizabeth Hoffman (actress)

Elizabeth Hoffman (February 8, 1926 – August 21, 2023) was an American character actress. She was best known for her regular role as Beatrice Reed Ventnor (mother of the sisters played by actresses Swoosie Kurtz, Sela Ward, Patricia Kalember and Julianne Phillips) on the NBC drama series Sisters (1991–1996).

Early life
Elizabeth Hoffman was born in Corvallis, Oregon on February 8, 1926.

Career
Hoffman first appeared on television in a recurring role on Little House on the Prairie (1980–1981) before making her feature film debut in Frank LaLoggia's supernatural horror film Fear No Evil (1981), being cast in the leading role. In 1983, Hoffman portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in Dan Curtis's historical miniseries The Winds of War. She had a supporting role opposite Barbra Streisand in the drama Nuts (1987), and subsequently reprised her role as Eleanor Roosevelt in the miniseries War and Remembrance in 1988.

Hoffman next appeared in Monte Hellman's horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (1989). From 1991 to 1996, she portrayed Beatrice Reed Ventnor, mother of the titular sister characters played by actresses Swoosie Kurtz, Sela Ward, Patricia Kalember and Julianne Phillips) on the drama series Sisters.

Hoffman guest-starred in a number of television shows and mini-series such as Little House on the Prairie, War and Remembrance, Matlock and thirtysomething, and well as several movies including playing "Grandma Ruth" in Dante's Peak. She also played the role of Catherine Langford in Stargate SG-1.

Personal life
Hoffman had two sons.

Death
Hoffman died at her home in Malibu, California on August 21, 2023, at the age of 97.