NEW YORK (AP) — Dody Goodman, the delightfully daffy comedian known for her television appearances on Jack Paar's late-night talk show and as the mother on the soap-opera parody "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," has died at 93.
Goodman had an eclectic show-business career; she managed to make the transition from stage to television to movies very easy. One part that most will remember Dody for was playing the principal’s assistant, Blanche, in Grease and Grease 2. What gave Goodman the first of her attention was on The Tonight Show, hosted by Jack Paar. It was her quirky, off-kilter remarks which seemed to get some great laughs from the audience.
Goodman, with her pixyish appearance and Southern-tinged, quavery voice, had an eclectic show-business career. She moved easily from stage to television to movies, where she appeared in such popular films as "Grease" and "Grease 2," playing Blanche, the principal's assistant, and in "Splash."
Dody Goodman also had a number of TV appearances, such as Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Diff’rent Strokes, Murder, She Wrote and St. Elsewhere. Goodman never married; she is survived by seven nieces and nephews as well as 11 great nieces and nephews, and 15 great-great nieces and nephews.