Lauretta Sullivan is best remembered as the widow of British writer, actor and comedian Marty Feldman. Lauretta was known as the doyenne of the Largo nightclub scene, where she encouraged and mentored young performers. After a short illness, she died in 2010 in Studio City, Los Angeles, at the age of 74.
Lauretta Sullivan’s Early Life and Background
Lauretta Sullivan was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in a traditional Irish Catholic family. Growing up, she was interested in literature, theatre, and the performing world. Lauretta first met Marty Feldman in 1959, and despite his unusual looks, he had sharp comedic instincts, intelligence, and a sensitivity that attracted Lauretta. The couple married in 1964, and their marriage became one of the most stable and enduring in British comedy circles, lasting until Marty’s untimely death in 1982.
The couple had no children, but their relationship was grounded by mutual devotion, companionship, and an enduring sense of humour that kept them close through the ups and downs of Marty’s career. They used their home in Studio City, California, to mentor British artists, musicians, and comedians. Lauretta was known for hosting vibrant gatherings filled with jazz, laughter, and creative energy. Guests included stars like Harry Nilsson, Van Dyke Parks, Brenda Vaccaro, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
Details of Lauretta Sullivan’s Husband, Marty Feldman
Marty Feldman was born in 1934 in London to Ukrainian Jewish immigrant parents. He was battling health issues caused by a childhood thyroid condition that left him with his distinctive bulging eyes, which became his comedic trademark. Growing up, he wanted to become a jazz trumpeter and played in a band with Tubby Hayes. In his early 20s, he ventured into comedy, forming a trio called Morris, Marty and Mitch, which first appeared on the BBC’s Showcase in 1955.
Feldman’s breakthrough came as a comedy writer, partnering with Barry Took to create iconic British radio and TV shows such as Educating Archie, The Army Game, Round the Horne and Bootsie and Snudge. He was placed among the top comedy writers of the 1960s. Feldman’s personality and writing brilliance led to his own TV series, Marty. The show won two BAFTA Awards in 1969 for Best Writer and Best Light Entertainment Performance. He also starred in At Last the 1948 Show, co-writing the famous Four Yorkshiremen sketch.
In 1971, he headlined The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine, a variety show that showcased his humour and physical comedy. His journey in Hollywood was marked by his role as Igor in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein in 1974, which earned him the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. His bug-eyed stare and impeccable timing made him a scene favourite. Other roles include In God We Trust, Yellow Beard, Silent Movie and The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother.
Feldman’s humour, satire and physical comedy often challenged social norms and poked fun at authority. On December 2, 1982, Feldman died of a heart attack in Mexico City while filming Yellow Beard. He was just 48 years old, a heavy smoker and caffeine enthusiast.
