R.I.P.

‘West Side Story’ Actress Dies at 87

The star who played Velma in the musical and movie adaptation passed away peacefully last week.

Actress Carole D’Andrea, who played Velma in West Side Story, died at 87 from heart failure, her daughters revealed Tuesday. D’Andrea originated the role of Velma in the 1957 Broadway production, portraying the famous Jet girl who falls for Riff. In 1961 she reprised the role in the movie musical adaption. D’Andrea died in her Santa Monica home last week after a long life as an acting teacher at New York’s Carnegie Hall and in Hollywood. She was married to Mad Men star and Tony-winner Robert Morse from 1961 to 1981. Her daughters—Andrea, Robin, and Hillary—have made a career in the arts and two have even been on Broadway. They left a heartfelt message to commemorate their mother’s death, saying she passed away peacefully and carried herself with grace and courage until the end. “She told us many times in her last few days what a quality life she led as a mother, grandmother, performer, and teacher,” they wrote. “She burned bright, our mother. She lived and loved fully, as many of you well know, and we as her daughters will do our best to pass along her legacy for the rest of our days.”