Anne Pitoniak, 85; TV and stage actress known for ‘ ‘night, Mother’

Anne Pitoniak, 85, the Tony-nominated actress best known for her work in Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “ ‘night, Mother,” died of complications from cancer Sunday at her Manhattan home, her son, Christian Milord, told the New York Times.

The actress appeared on television and in regional theater, most prominently at Actors Theatre of Louisville, before making her Broadway debut in 1983 in “ ‘night, Mother.” Norman’s play tells the story of a despondent young woman, originally played by Kathy Bates, who is contemplating suicide. Pitoniak received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of the woman’s disbelieving mother. She and Bates reprised their roles in a 1986 production at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Mark Taper Forum.

Pitoniak was also nominated for a Tony for her role in the 1994 revival of “Picnic.” Also among her Broadway credits were “The Octette Bridge Club” (1985), “Amy’s View” (1999), “Uncle Vanya” (2000), “Dance of Death” (2001) and “Imaginary Friends” (2002).

Born March 30, 1922, in Westfield, Mass., Pitoniak earned a bachelor’s degree in English from what is now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1943. She performed overseas with the USO during World War II, then married and had a family. After divorcing, she resumed acting and studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute.

She also appeared in films, notably “Agnes of God” (1985) and “Old Gringo” (1989).