Madeline Kahn

Madeline Kahn appeared in four Mel Brooks films: *Blazing Saddles* (1974) as the saloon singer Lili von Shtüpp, *Young Frankenstein* (1974) as Elizabeth, *High Anxiety* (1977) as Victoria Brisbane, and *History of the World, Part I* (1981) as Empress Nympho. Her performances in *Blazing Saddles* and *Young Frankenstein*, both released in 1974, remain her most celebrated film roles.

Yes, Kahn was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress twice: for *Paper Moon* (1973), directed by Peter Bogdanovich, and for *Blazing Saddles* (1974), directed by Mel Brooks. She was widely regarded as one of the most gifted comedic actresses of the 1970s.

Kahn trained as an opera singer and studied drama, performing in theatrical productions before transitioning to film. Her operatic vocal training gave her the precise control that made her comedic timing and character voices so distinctive. She continued to perform in Broadway musicals throughout her career, earning Tony Award nominations.

Madeline Kahn died on December 3, 1999, at the age of 57 from ovarian cancer. She had continued working in television and theater up to the time of her diagnosis. Her death was widely mourned by colleagues and fans, particularly in the comedy community.