Marlene L. Fisher

Marlene Louise Fisher, an actress, animal lover, and devoted friend, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 87, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

   Born on March 27th, 1939, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Ava and Roy Fisher, Marlene discovered her love of acting at an early age. She attended Emerson College, earning a degree in Theater Arts before moving to New York City to pursue a life on the stage.

   In New York, Marlene performed at La MaMa, Playwrights Horizons, and Manhattan Theatre Club, while supporting herself as a waitress at the Hip Bagel. One of her favorite roles was playing Penny in “Moon” at the Cherry Lane Theatre.

   In the early 1980s, she moved to Los Angeles, where she continued her stage career at the Cast Theater and the Stage Theater. Among her most memorable performances was in “Oct. 22, 4004 B.C.”, directed by her close friend Bob Schrock. Variety praised her work, noting she was “thoroughly believable and delightful.” She also appeared in the films “Confessions of a Dirty Mind” and “Concrete Jungle,” and on television in shows including “Taxi” and “Laverne & Shirley.”

   Marlene lived a full and independent life, surrounded by close friends. She loved going to the movies, reading, and following politics. A dedicated advocate for animal rescue, she helped find homes for many dogs and cats and cherished her own cats—Humphrey, Miss Lily, and Baby.

   She is survived by her nephew, Shaun Laughman, and her close friends Eddie Goldsmith, Peter Lawrence, Tom Fitzpatrick, and Mark Winkler. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Deanna Erdman; and her brother, Bud.

   A visitation will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm in the Cocklin Funeral Home, Inc., 30 N. Chestnut St., Dillsburg, PA. Marlene will be laid to rest with her family in the Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania at 12:15 pm following the visitation. 

   She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.