Sondra Lee, a celebrated Broadway performer whose career spanned nearly 90 years, has died at 97. She passed away from natural causes on Feb. 23 at her home in New York City.
She was best known for originating Tiger Lily in the 1954 Broadway production of Peter Pan and Minnie Fay in the 1964 premiere of Hello, Dolly!. Born in 1928 in Newark, New Jersey, she overcame early health challenges to pursue ballet and theater, later collaborating with Jerome Robbins on Peter Pan.
Lee also appeared in La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini, and became a respected teacher and mentor. Her final public appearance was in June 2025 at Carnegie Hall during a Hello, Dolly! concert, where she received a standing ovation.
A public memorial is planned for 2026.