Overview
- Lee died of natural causes on Feb. 23 in her New York City apartment, as confirmed by friend and colleague Rev. Joshua Ellis.
- She originated Tiger Lily in the 1954 Broadway production of Peter Pan and reprised the role in television broadcasts that reached about 65 million viewers.
- She also created Minnie Fay in the original 1964 Hello, Dolly! and stayed with the hit production for years, including tours.
- After performing, Lee taught at the Stella Adler Conservatory and New York University and consulted on films such as Places in the Heart, The Morning After and The Last of the Mohicans.
- Her final public appearance was at Carnegie Hall on June 23, 2025 for Transport Group’s Hello, Dolly! concert, and Ellis says her birth year was 1928 despite many listings showing 1930.