Brennan is best known for her role as Doreen Lewis in Private Benjamin for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She reprized the role in the TV adaptation and won a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for her performance. She received Emmy nominations for her guest starring roles on Newhart, Thirtysomething, Taxi and Will & Grace.

The LA Times sadly reports that Brennan died of bladder cancer Sunday at her home in Burbank.

Brennan’s other film credits in a long career included “The Sting” (1973) and “The Last Picture Show” (1971) as
well as Peter Bogdanovich's "Last Picture Show" sequel, “Texasville” (1990).

After appearing with Goldie Hawn in “Private Benjamin,” Brennan starred in the TV series spinoff, winning an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Capt. Doreen Lewis.

Her survivors include two sons, Sam and Patrick; two grandchildren; and a sister, Kathleen Howard.