Beth Howland, who played Vera on 'Alice,' dies at 74

Beth Howland, the actress who was best known for her role as a ditzy waitress on the 1970s and '80s CBS sitcom Alice, has died. She was 74.

Her husband, actor Charles Kimbrough (Murphy Brown), told The Associated Press that Howland died of lung cancer in Santa Monica on Dec. 31. He said there was no funeral or memorial service and "that was her choice."

Howland played naive diner waitress Vera Louise Gorman on Alice for the nine-year run of the comedy that ended in 1985, earning four Golden Globe nominations. Her credits also include parts on the The Mary Tyler Moore Show andThe Love Boat.

See photos of Beth Howland through the years:

Howland is also survived by a daughter from her previous marriage to actor Michael J. Pollard.

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