Jan Hooks: Illness Was “Serious” Causing Her Death

Jan Hooks, former "Saturday Night Live" cast member passed away on Oct.9 following a "serious illness".

Former SNL comedienne, Jan Hooks died at age of 57 in New York City but up to now, there are not yet many details telling the cause of her death but TMZ reported that Hooks passed away after having a "serious illness".

Hooks started her career as a member of SNL in 1986, same year her fellow comedy legends Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman started. She stayed on the show until 1991.

She was an impressionist best known for her main impressions of Diane Sawyer, Hillary Clinton, Sinead O' Connor and Kathie Lee Gifford.

Hooks' most memorable character was Candy Sweeney from "The Sweeney Sisters". She left SNL and right after joined the cast of CBS' "Designing Women" replacing Jean Smart for its two final seasons. She also had a popular role in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" as Tina.

With a long list of TV and film roles and appearances, Hooks was most notable in her role as Vicki Dubcek on "3rd Rock From The Sun" which earned her an Emmy nomination in 1998.

She also appeared in the 90's movies, "Coneheads" and "Batman Returns".

Tina Fey honored Jan Hooks during her acceptance speech for an award at Elle's Women in Hollywood event. Fey dedicated her award to fellow SNL alumni, "sweet Jan Hooks".

"Jan should have had a bigger career. Jan deserved a big movie career. Certainly as big as Rob Schneider's f---ing career. She was a bigger star on SNL", Fey said in her speech.

Jan Hooks most recently played Verna Maroney, mother to Jane Krakowski's Jenna Maroney in the NBC sitcom "30 Rock". 

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