'Steel Magnolias' Actress Carol Sutton Dead At 76

Carol Sutton, the Queen of New Orleans theater, has died. She was 76.

The legendary theater, film, and television actress passed away on Thursday (December 10) of COVID-19 complications, PEOPLE confirmed Saturday (December 12). As per local outlets, the veteran entertainer was hospitalized at New Orleans’ Touro Infirmary for several days before she died after battling the wide-spreading novel disease.

A native of New Orleans, Sutton famously starred in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias alongside Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts as well as in the Oscar-winning film Ray. She also portrayed characters in numerous small-screen projects including Lovecraft Country, True Detective, and Queen Sugar. As a thespian, Sutton commanded the stage in productions like A Raisin in the Sun and 4000 Miles.

Mayor of New Orleans LaToya Cantrell was among the first to commemorate Sutton's life and legacy on social media, with stars like Queen Sugar creator Ava DuVernay doing the same.

“Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades," Cantrell wrote. "The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV -- whether it's ‘Treme’ or ‘Claws,’ or ‘Runaway Jury’ or ‘Queen Sugar’”

DuVernay shared, “On behalf of the QUEEN SUGAR family, we celebrate the life of the stellar Carol Sutton. It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage + screen to our show as Aunt Martha in Episode 409, ‘Stare at the Same Fires.’ We bless her. May she rise and rest in peace and power.”

Sutton is among the growing list of celebrities who have passed away to coronavirus, which recently claimed the life of country music trailblazer Charley Pride.

Sutton is survived by her daughter, a son, and five grandchildren.

Photo: Getty Images