Cause Of Death For 'West Side Story' Actress Carole D'Andrea Revealed

Carole D’Andrea, best known for her role as Velma in both the Broadway and film adaptations of "West Side Story," has passed away at the age of 87.

The actress, who first portrayed Velma, a privileged girl who falls for Riff (Michael Callan), in the original 1957 Broadway production, later reprised the role in the 1961 Oscar-winning movie musical.

Carole D’Andrea's three daughters shared news of her passing on her official social media pages, where they revealed that she passed away peacefully at home on March 11 due to heart failure.

“It was a privilege to be by her side as she passed, and to witness in these last few weeks the grace and courage in which she carried herself as she prepared to, as our Godfather put it, ‘exit stage left,’” her daughters Andrea Doven, 63, Robin Morse, 61, and Hilary Morse, 59, wrote in a heartfelt tribute.

They also noted the poignancy of the date, as D’Andrea passed on the 44th anniversary of her sobriety, an achievement she had long cherished.

“She said it was ‘the day that I changed my life,’” they wrote. “She told us many times in her last few days what a quality life she led as a mother, grandmother, performer, and teacher.”

The sisters described their mother as a woman who “burned bright” and “lived and loved fully,” vowing to carry on her legacy. They closed their message with the poem "On the Death of the Beloved" by John O’Donohue, as a tribute to their grief and love for her.

D’Andrea shared her three daughters with Tony Award-winning actor Robert Morse, best known for "Mad Men" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

The couple were married from 1961 to 1981, and while D’Andrea stepped away from acting to focus on raising their children, her daughters continued the family’s connection to the arts, Robin and Hilary both performed on Broadway, while Robin also teaches at the Manhattan School of Music.

Her family, friends, and fans remember her for her contributions to film and theater, her dedication to family, and her inspirational journey.

"My deepest condolences to you all. I am heartbroken to read this," one fan wrote. "Your mother, Carole, changed my life."

"I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your very beloved mother, Carole," another said. "We spent an entire meeting yesterday (I’m sure you know what I speak) singing her praises and honoring her very well-lived life… I am so sorry for your loss as I know she was an amazing woman and the pain of losing such a marvelous mother is very deep… God bless you."

A third expressed, "I’m so sorry for your loss. Carole was a mentor, friend, and acting teacher to me. She inspired me to let go of tired, staid ways of acting. She always reminded me to put my God-given instincts first. To trust. Always trust."

The fan added, "Her words of encouragement have always been with me, and I believe that they always will. She championed our humanity and our love for art and creativity. She was our leader. I will miss you, Carole."

Comedian John Henson wrote, "Your mother was an absolute gift. Kind and, warm, and supportive. She made me feel like our friendship began in the middle, and from the moment we met, it was as if I had known her for years. I was never in her company and wasn’t grateful for it. I’m so sorry for your loss."

Someone else commented, "I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss, for your family and for the millions of us who loved her beautiful talent so much. I am so glad I reached out to her via email to let her know how much my family and I loved her."

That same fan added, "I would be even more bereft had she passed before I had the chance to reach out to her. Her response was so very gracious. I will treasure it forever. My deepest condolences go out to all her family. May God keep her in the palm of His hand."

RIP.