Anne Pitoniak (March 30, 1922 – April 22, 2007) was an American actress. She was nominated twice for Broadway's Tony Award: as Best Actress (Play) in 1983, for 'night, Mother, and as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) in 1994, for a revival of William Inge's Picnic.

Biography 

Early life 

Pitoniak was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Sophie (née Porubovic) and John Pitoniak. She was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She spent two years as a civilian actress immediately after World War II, touring Japan, the Philippines and Korea for the Army's Special Services division. She met her future husband, Jerome Milord, then a soldier, when they were both in a U.S.O. show in Japan.

Career 

In 'night, Mother she played a woman who desperately tries to keep her daughter from killing herself. The play had its premiere at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, then moved to Broadway. Both Pitoniak and co-star Kathy Bates received Best Actress Tony Award nominations for their work. In 1994, Pitoniak received a second Tony nomination for her performance as Helen Potts in the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Picnic. She also appeared on Broadway in Agnes of God, The Octette Bridge Club, Amy's View, Uncle Vanya, Dance of Death, and Imaginary Friends.

Pitoniak performed frequently at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, in such plays as Norman's Getting Out, D. L. Coburn's The Gin Game, and Jane Martin's Middle Aged White Guys. She also worked steadily in film and television, including the 1985 film version of Agnes of God, where she appeared as the mother of Jane Fonda's character.

In 1987, Pitoniak played the role of Mary, in the 1987 Cheers episode "Pudd'n Head Boyd" (Season 6, Episode 9). In 2001, she played the role of Mrs. Berry in the Law and Order: SVU episode "Redemption" (Season 3, Episode 6).

Death 

Pitoniak died from cancer at her home in Manhattan, New York City, New York at age 85.

Source: Wikipedia