Pippa Scott, the veteran actress who landed her debut role as Lucy, the niece of John Wayne’s character in John Ford’s 1956 classic The Searchers, has passed away after battling a serious medical condition. Scott, who began her illustrious Hollywood career with the iconic Western, went on to build a diverse portfolio in film and television, with credits for several projects, including As Young as We Are, Auntie Mame, and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Her daughter Miranda Tollman, in a statement to a media outlet on behalf of the entire family, shared the heartbreaking news of her beloved mother’s death.
Miranda Tollman, Pippa Scott’s daughter, breaks the news of her mother’s death
Hollywood icon Pippa Scott, who shared the screen with the likes of Dick Van Dyke and Peter Falk has passed away, her family has confirmed. #DailyExpress https://t.co/lgk4tKNMmP pic.twitter.com/L7936dEcph
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 9, 2025
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, her daughter confirmed that the Cold Turkey actress recently passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in her family home in Santa Monica.
The statement also explained the actress’s cause of death, stating that she succumbed to congenital heart failure on Thursday, May 22. The sad news has thrown fans and the entire movie industry into mourning as her death marks the end of an era for her fans and colleagues alike.
Fans pay tributes to Pippa Scott on her passing
Scott’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes, as several of her fans have taken to social media to celebrate her life and career. Many of them honored her legacy, recalling her charm and talent and reflecting on her ability to captivate audiences, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with generations of viewers.
One of the fans via X expressed sadness about Scott’s death while full of praise for the late actress’ versatile deliveries in popular shows and films, particularly citing the TV series Columbo, which aired on NBC from 1971 to 1978 in which she perfectly embodied the character of Jean Davis, the secretary Nora Chandler played by Anne Baxter, who was tragically murdered in a staged car accident.