Actress Elaine Psaki has died at the age of 79

Actress Elaine Psaki — known for her role on the iconic show M*A*S*H — has passed away at the age of 79, it has been confirmed.

Saki was known to fans for playing Rosie, the bar owner and bar boss Rose, in the beloved 1970s comedy.

Fellow co-star Jeff Maxwell confirmed the sad news on the M*A*S*H Matters podcast.

“We have Elaine Sweet,” he said in a post on the podcast’s official Facebook page.

On behalf of her husband, Bob, we extend our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of M*A*S*H fans who filled Ellen’s final days with peace, encouragement, and love.

I read every email and responded to as many messages as possible. Sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How will we miss you.

According to TMZ, family sources confirmed the death of the veteran actress in Los Angeles on Monday after a struggle with cancer.

Saki’s long career in Hollywood also included minor roles in classic comedy films such as Splash in 1984 and History of the World, Part 1 in 1981.

The role of Rosie on M*A*S*H was filled by three actresses for all 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983.

Saki has had the distinction of being the last and longest-living Rosie — a fact that Jeff Maxwell acknowledged in another Facebook tribute.

Maxwell — who played Private Igor Straminsky in the classic series — praised Eileen as an individual, praising her “energy” and likable charm.

Remembering her as a guest on his podcast, Maxwell wrote, “She was gracious, funny, engaging, insightful, wonderful, full of M*A*S*H stories, and showed more energy than I can remember in twenty years.”

She spoke with great love to all of the cast members but especially appreciated her interactions with Executive Producer and Director, Burt Metcalfe. Visiting with her was pure joy as she filled every word with joy, life and love.

Concluding his remarks, Maxwell called Saki “a special woman”, adding: “Eileen captivated you with a twinkle and a smile in her soul”.

Speaking with Maxwell on his podcast M*A*S*H Matters, Ellen opened up about her humble beginnings and her childhood dreams of becoming an actress.

“I grew up in Japan, I came here, English is my second language, but I knew at the age of four that I was going to be a performer.”

A gardener’s daughter, Saki went on to explain how her poor upbringing inspired her to get a “brighter life” for herself.

We were so poor, my psyche probably wanted to be someone else. For a brighter life and an entertaining life.