Updated — Oct. 10, 7:55 a.m. ET
Jan Hooks, a Saturday Night Live mainstay from 1986-1991, died Thursday following an undisclosed illness, TMZ reported. Her representatives confirmed her death to BuzzFeed News.
The comedian was perhaps best known for playing half of the Sweeney Sisters on the venerable sketch comedy show, and other roles included impersonations ranging from Kathie Lee Gifford to Hillary Clinton. More recently, she played Verna Maroney, Jenna's mom, on 30 Rock.
Following her run on SNL, she played Carlene Frazier Dobber on Designing Women for two years. Other roles included voice acting on The Simpsons and Futurama as well as a part in Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
Former Saturday Night Live cast members and others in comedy issued statements remembering Hooks for her incredible talent.
"I was 15 years old when I first saw Jan Hooks on SNL," Amy Poehler said in a statement. "All of her characters spoke to me. She was one of the greats. When I was at SNL, we would frequently talk about her genius. This has been a shitty couple of months for comedy."
Jan Hooks still stands out as one of the funniest cast members in SNL history. Very sorry to read about her passing.
My girlfriend in the 80’s and my friend forever, Janners. God, were you talented. Too soon and too sad. #JanHooks
Such sad news about the BRILLIANT Jan Hooks. Worshipped her on SNL. RIP.
RIP Jan Hooks. An endearing, funny woman who so inspired and made me laugh so much. A bright light went out.
RIP Jan Hooks. One of the all time greats.
