Following the unexpected passing of Linda Lavin at the age of 87 in December 2024, the TV series Mid-Century Modern paid a touching tribute to the beloved actress and Tony Award winner.
In a sitcom inspired by Golden Girls, Lavin appears posthumously as Sybil Schneiderman. Portraying the sharp-witted mother of Nathan Lane’s character Bunny, Sybil joins as the surprise fourth roommate when Bunny invites friends Arthur Broussard (Nathan Lee Graham) and Jerry Frank (Matt Bomer) to stay in their Palm Springs residence.
As the three older gay men support each other through the ups and downs of dating, family, and relationships, Sybil’s character remains a constant figure, offering witty and sometimes acerbic commentary on their predicaments.
Despite passing away in the middle of season 1 production, Lavin still appears in eight of the show’s 10 episodes. In episode 9, titled “Here’s to You, Mrs. Schneiderman,” Arthur, Bunny, and Jerry must come to terms with Sybil’s sudden death. The storyline unfolds as her son embarks on a search for Fig Newtons, a nod to her fiery introduction in the series premiere.
As they process her passing, Bunny struggles to write a eulogy for his mother, prompting Arthur and Jerry to suggest he review their old text messages, which reveal love beneath her dry humor.
The episode culminates at George’s funeral, where Bunny invites Jerry and Arthur to live with him and his mother, Sybil, in Palm Springs. The closing scene features Bunny leading a singalong of Very Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again,” which transitions into Lavin’s own cover of the 1939 ballad. Although Lavin’s rendition is an informal recording posted on her Facebook in June 2020, it was used in the episode, much to the gratitude of the show’s creators.
“Her dresser and a dear friend, who was on the show the night after she passed, sent the video to me,” Will & Grace creator Max Mutchnick told People. “It was just the most unbelievable thing to listen to, and the words are so perfect.”
He sent it to co-creator David Kohan, who adds, “We knew that this was the way we were going to use that track in the show.”
The producers emphasize that the character of Sybil was specifically crafted to reflect Lavin’s spirit. “Linda set a tone for the show from the minute she showed up,” Mutchnick says. “There was an energy and a life force she brought to this project that affected all of us for the better.”
Kohan echoes this sentiment, describing Lavin’s openness and generosity of spirit as a key influence on the show. “She brought a way for everybody to talk about the script and what they were feeling, from the very beginning,” he says.
Lavin also contributed valuable feedback on scripts. Mutchnick recalls, “What she said mattered. If we slipped up, she would tell us, ‘You’re losing a part of the character that I think should be there. This is something I want to see for an 87-year-old.’”
Bomer reflects, “To see the way she led us all with love and grace and a gentle spirit, it was unforgettable.”
Graham adds, “She was so generous and supportive. She always looked you in the eye. This was a woman who worked from the age of 5 to 87 and went out blazing like the stars. She did everything: piano, singing, dancing, comedy, and drama, all equally well.”
Lane says, “She went out doing what she loved. I know she was really happy doing this and having a great time, at the top of her game.”
Kohan notes, “We really loved her, and everyone on the cast and crew had a relationship with her.”
In a poignant moment of life mirroring art, Lane recalls, “I was going through my phone looking for something and realized I had her text messages, just like in the show’s episode. I started reading them, and they were all so loving, sweet, and gracious. She was a one-of-a-kind person and actress. We were so lucky to have her in our lives.”
Bomer adds, “She’s so missed. I’m grateful for the time we had with her and wish I had asked her more questions. She was the best role model you could ever hope for.”
Mid-Century Modern season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu.
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