Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Kate Williamson

Kate Williamson (born Robina Jane Sparks; September 19, 1931 – December 6, 2013) was an American actress whose career spanned theater, television, and film over five decades, best known for her recurring role as Mrs. Rodgers on the ABC sitcom Ellen (1994–1998). Born in Ellenville, New York, to actress and singer Nydia Westman and producer Robert Salathiel Sparks, Williamson adopted her stage name early in her career and began performing in theater, earning a Drama-Logue Award for her portrayal in Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party. She transitioned to television in the 1970s, guest-starring on acclaimed series such as The Waltons, Hill Street Blues, Newhart, Cheers, Murder, She Wrote, Home Improvement, NYPD Blue, and 7th Heaven. In film, Williamson appeared in supporting roles in notable 1990s productions including Barry Levinson's (1994) starring and , as well as later works like Dahmer (2002) and Interview with the Assassin (2002). She also performed extensively in regional theater, including at South Coast Repertory, , and . Williamson was married to actor from 1954 until his death on November 12, 2013; she passed away less than a month later at her home in Encino, , survived by four children.

Early life

Family background

Kate Williamson was born Robina Jane Sparks on September 19, 1931, in . She was the daughter of prominent actress and singer Nydia Westman, known for her stage and film roles in and , and Robert Salathiel Sparks, a writer and producer in . Her parents married in 1930 and divorced in 1937, when Williamson was six years old.

Childhood and upbringing

She was the only child of actress and singer Nydia Westman and producer and writer Robert Salathiel Sparks, who married in 1930 and divorced in 1937 when Williamson was six years old. Following the divorce, Williamson was raised primarily by her mother in the area, where Westman maintained an active career in theater. Limited information exists regarding her father's involvement in her life after the separation.

Acting career

Theater work

Kate Williamson entered the professional theater world in the late , after raising her family, marking the beginning of her stage career that emphasized dramatic and character-driven roles. Her passion for live performance was evident in her dedication to regional theater across , where she portrayed complex women in both contemporary and classical works. One of her standout performances came in 1994 as Meg Boles in Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, for which she earned a Drama-Logue Award for outstanding achievement in theater. Earlier, in 1993, she played the feisty Cora Swanson in Paul Osborn's Morning's at Seven at South Coast Repertory, contributing to a production noted for its ensemble warmth and humor. Williamson also appeared as Irene in Marsha Norman's Private Views at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 1986, exploring themes of family history and memory. Throughout her career, Williamson performed at key regional venues including South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, and Los Angeles Theatre Works, often in productions that highlighted her nuanced portrayals of maternal and eccentric figures. These stage experiences solidified her reputation in live theater before she transitioned to on-screen roles in the 1980s and beyond.

Television roles

Kate Williamson began her television career in the late 1970s, debuting with guest appearances on anthology series such as Police Story. Her early work also included a role on , marking her entry into family-oriented dramas. Over the next two decades, she amassed over 20 television credits, primarily as a guest star in both sitcoms and procedural dramas, transitioning from her theater background to on-screen supporting parts. One of her most prominent television roles was the recurring character of Mrs. Rodgers, an opinionated teacher and member of Ellen's book club, on the ABC sitcom Ellen from 1995 to 1998. She also appeared as Bea Green in an episode of the military legal drama JAG in 1995. Other notable guest spots included Edith Kuzmenko on NYPD Blue, Marie Martin on 7th Heaven, and roles on series such as Home Improvement, Murder, She Wrote, Profiler, Beauty and the Beast, Falcon Crest, Nothing Sacred, The Paper Chase, thirtysomething, Hill Street Blues, Cheers, Newhart, and The Waltons. Williamson frequently portrayed everyday women, mothers, and authority figures like judges or teachers, bringing a grounded, versatile presence to ensemble casts across genres from family sitcoms and procedurals to 1990s sitcoms. She continued guest starring into the early 2000s, with her television work concluding around 2002, demonstrating longevity as a in supporting roles.

Film roles

Kate Williamson made her feature film debut in the 1984 drama , directed by , where she portrayed Mrs. Winger, a supporting maternal figure in a story set during about young friends facing life's uncertainties. Her film career spanned nearly two decades, from this early role through to her final appearance in the 2002 biographical horror Dahmer as Grandma, a familial character in the depiction of serial killer 's life. Throughout her approximately 10 credits, Williamson typically took on supporting roles as women or family members in dramas, thrillers, and independent productions, often bringing a grounded, no-nonsense presence to ensemble casts. In the 1994 thriller , directed by , she played Judge Barbara Murphy, a judicial figure overseeing a high-stakes case involving and . That same year, in James Brolin's , she appeared as Mrs. Sneeder, a providing subtle amid the psychological tension of a man's unraveling marriage. Williamson's roles in the late 1990s further showcased her versatility in independent cinema. In Bye Bye Love (1995), a comedy-drama about divorced fathers, she embodied a grandmother navigating family dynamics with wry humor. She followed with Touch (1997), directed by , as , a skeptical observer in a tale of and exploitation starring and . In The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997), a biographical drama about , Williamson portrayed Nurse Waring, offering maternal guidance in the narrative. Her performance as Mrs. Young in (1998), a drama by Martin Scorsese's production company featuring and , highlighted her as a stoic rancher's wife in post-World War II . In her later films, Williamson continued in character-driven independents. She appeared as Walter's Ex-Wife in the 2002 mockumentary thriller Interview with the Assassin, adding emotional depth to a story of alleged JFK conspiracy revelations. These roles, building on her extensive television experience, allowed her to transition into cinema with portrayals that emphasized quiet strength and relational complexity.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Kate Williamson married on June 26, 1954, in a union that endured for nearly 60 years until his death in November 2013. The couple had four children: Elizabeth Ruscio, an and ; Michael Ruscio, a , editor, and ; Nina Ruscio, a ; and Maria Ruscio, a teacher. While Elizabeth, Michael, and Nina pursued careers in , Maria did not enter the industry. Williamson and Ruscio, both prolific performers—Ruscio amassing over 100 acting credits across , television, and theater—balanced their professional commitments with family life, raising their children while maintaining active roles in the world. The family later grew to include five grandchildren. Together, Williamson and Ruscio occasionally shared professional circles, including conducting workshops as a team.

Later years

Following her final role in the 2002 film Dahmer, Williamson retired from professional and shifted her focus to and personal interests. She resided in a suburban home in , , alongside her husband of nearly 60 years, , whose enduring partnership provided stability in her later decades. Theater remained a lifelong passion for Williamson, though she engaged with it primarily as an audience member and supporter rather than performer in her post-retirement years, with no new professional endeavors documented. She devoted significant time to her family, including her four children—actress and poet Elizabeth Ruscio, Nina Ruscio, Michael Ruscio, and Maria Ruscio—and five grandchildren, maintaining close bonds evident in their presence at her bedside in her final days.

Death

Illness and passing

Kate Williamson died on December 6, 2013, at the age of 82, in her home in Encino, , after suffering from a prolonged but undisclosed illness. She had been in failing health for some time, with her family describing debilitating illnesses that were kept private. The specifics of her condition were not revealed publicly, reflecting the family's desire for privacy during her final days. Her passing came less than one month after the death of her husband, , on November 12, 2013, following nearly 60 years of marriage. Williamson's death at home marked a quiet end to a career that had spanned over two decades in film and television.

Tributes

Following Kate Williamson's death on December 6, 2013, several major entertainment publications published obituaries highlighting her contributions as a respected character actress whose career bridged theater and television over more than two decades. described her as a versatile performer known for memorable supporting roles, including her portrayal of Mrs. Rodgers on the sitcom Ellen, and noted her passing at her Encino home shortly after her husband's death. Similarly, emphasized her enduring presence in , recalling her warmth and professionalism in ensemble casts, and pointed out that three of her four children followed her into the entertainment industry as actors, writers, and directors. The obituary underscored her reputation for bringing authenticity to maternal and everyday characters across film and TV, marking her as a reliable fixture in the industry. Family members issued a brief statement through public notices, expressing gratitude for the support received and emphasizing Williamson's roles as a devoted wife, mother, and artist who inspired those around her. They noted that she was survived by four children—, , and —and five grandchildren, with the family requesting donations in lieu of flowers to The Actors' Fund of America. Within the industry, colleagues and representatives remembered Williamson for her approachable demeanor and the subtle depth she added to roles like the nurturing Mrs. Rodgers on , which endeared her to audiences and castmates alike, though no formal memorials or events were reported. Her manager, Judy Fox, reflected on her client's resilience amid health challenges, stating, "She had been in failing health for quite some time," while affirming Williamson's lasting impact as a mentor-like figure to emerging talent. Williamson's legacy endures through her support for family members pursuing artistic careers and her body of work that exemplified the value of character-driven performances in both stage and screen mediums, influencing subsequent generations of actors in understated roles.

References

  1. [1]
    R.I.P. 'Ellen' Actress Kate Williamson - Deadline
    Dec 7, 2013 · Character actress Kate Williamson, who played Mrs. Rogers on ABC's Ellen and turned in supporting roles in films including Barry Levinson's ...
  2. [2]
    Kate Williamson | Television Academy
    Kate Williamson was an actress best known for the role of Mrs. Rodgers on the TV comedy Ellen. She began her career in the theater and began appearing on ...
  3. [3]
    'Ellen' Actress Kate Williamson Dead at 82 - TheWrap
    Dec 7, 2013 · Actress Kate Williamson, whose extensive credits include a run ... Born Robina Jane Sparks to actress/singer Nydia Westman and producer ...
  4. [4]
    Kate Williamson | LATW
    Kate Williamson was an American actress who was known for Disclosure, Dahmer and Dream Lover. Other film credits include Interview with the Assassin, Racing ...
  5. [5]
    Actress Kate Williamson Dies at 82 - The Hollywood Reporter
    Dec 7, 2013 · Actress Kate Williamson, whose film and television career spanned more than two decades, died Friday evening at her home in Encino.
  6. [6]
    Kate Williamson - IMDb
    Kate Williamson was born on 19 September 1931 in Ellenville, New York, USA. She was an actress, known for Disclosure (1994), Dahmer (2002) and Dream Lover ( ...
  7. [7]
    Kate Williamson (1931-2013) - Find a Grave Memorial
    Kate Williamson ; Birth: 19 Sep 1931. Ellenville, Ulster County, New York, USA ; Death: 6 Dec 2013 (aged 82). Encino, Los Angeles County, California, USA ; Burial.
  8. [8]
    Nydia Westman (1902-1970) - Memorials - Find a Grave
    Family Members. Parents. Axel Theodore Westman. 1870 – unknown · Lily Wren Westman. 1871–1925. Spouse. Robert Salathiel Sparks. 1901–1963 ( m. 1930). Siblings ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    Robert Sparks and Nydia Westman - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos
    Robert Sparks and Nydia Westman are divorced after a marriage of 7 years. Key Dates. Key Dates. Dating, 1930. Married, 1930. Divorced, 1937. Couple Comparison.
  10. [10]
    Kate Williamson - Biography - IMDb
    Kate Williamson was born on September 19, 1931 in Ellenville, New York, USA. She was an actress, known for Disclosure (1994), Dahmer (2002) and Dream Lover ...
  11. [11]
    Nydia Westman(1902-1970) - IMDb
    Nydia Westman. Actress: The Cat and the Canary. This adorable character ... Kate Williamson · Other works. Active on Broadway in the following productions ...
  12. [12]
    Paul Osborn's old folks comedy, "Morning's at Seven," at South ...
    Sep 13, 1993 · There is feisty Cora (Kate Williamson) and her husband Theodore or Thor, for short (Robert Symonds), who live in one house; there is rumpled ...
  13. [13]
    'BENCH,' 'PRIVATE VIEWS' AT ENSEMBLE THEATRE
    Jul 25, 1986 · “Private Views” is a bit more committed to tracking the pasts of sisters Ruth (Barbara Tarbuck) and Irene (Kate Williamson), but Servi could ...
  14. [14]
    Kate Williamson - TV Guide
    See Kate Williamson full list of movies and tv shows from their career. Find where to watch Kate Williamson's latest movies and tv shows.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  15. [15]
    Racing with the Moon (1984) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Racing with the Moon (1984) - Cast and crew credits, including actors ... Kate Williamson · Mrs. Winger · Julie Philips · Julie Philips · Alice Donnelly.
  16. [16]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285728/
  17. [17]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109665/
  18. [18]
    Bye Bye Love (1995) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Bye Bye Love (1995) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses ... Kate Williamson · Grandmother · Nicholas Davey · Nicholas Davey · Heidi's Son.
  19. [19]
    https://www.apnews.com/general-news-arts-and-entertainment-movies-83bc73dbe0c8424aa5e8f9205824e98c
  20. [20]
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0932074/bio/
  21. [21]
    Kate Williamson Obituary (1930 - 2013) - Bay City, MI
    Dec 8, 2013 · Williamson also appeared in dozens of TV shows going back to the 1970s, including "7th Heaven," ''JAG," ''NYPD Blue," ''Home Improvement" and " ...Missing: early childhood upbringing
  22. [22]
    "Al Ruscio was born on June 2, 1924 in Salem, Massachusetts. He ...
    Sep 7, 2025 · Over the years, he conducted workshops with his wife, actress Kate Williamson. His stage/film/TV acting career spanned 60 years. ... balance.
  23. [23]
    Character actress Kate Williamson dead at 82 | KSL.com
    Dec 8, 2013 · Williamson died Friday at her suburban Encino home, less than a month after the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, veteran character ...Missing: marriage | Show results with:marriage<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    'Ellen' Actress Kate Williamson Dead at 82 - Yahoo
    Dec 7, 2013 · Born Robina Jane Sparks to actress/singer Nydia Westman and producer/writer Salathiel Robert Sparks, Williamson's decades-long acting career ...
  25. [25]
    Character actress Kate Williamson dead at 82 | AP News
    Dec 8, 2013 · ... Racing With the Moon,” has died at age 82 after a lengthy illness, said her manager, Judy Fox. Williamson died Friday at her suburban Encino ...
  26. [26]
    Ellen Actress Kate Williamson Dies at 83 - TV Guide
    Dec 7, 2013 · Her film credits include The Hi-Lo Country and Dahmer. She and her husband are survived by their four children, Elizabeth, Michael, Nina and ...