Two-time Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom 'œNight Court'ť and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film 'œSweet Charity,'ť has died. She was 77.

Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles' Ebony Repertory Theatre.

Kelly earned a best supporting actress Emmy nod in 1984 for portraying public defender Liz Williams on the first season of NBC's 'œNight Court'ť and received another in 1989 for playing a lesbian on the ABC miniseries "The Women of Brewster Place."

Kelly made her Broadway debut in the 1964 musical 'œSomething More!'ť directed by Jule Styne and starring Barbara Cook. She later shared the stage with Morgan Freeman on Broadway in 'œThe Dozens.'ť One of her most important roles was Helene in 'œSweet Charity,'ť which she played onstage in London and then reprised in Bob Fosse's feature film debut.

Her other film credits include 'œThe Andromeda Strain,'ť 'œTop of the Heap'ť and 'œSoylent Green.'ť Her vast TV credits also include 'œSanta Barbara,'ť 'œMission: Impossible,'ť 'œKojak'ť and 'œThe Golden Girls.'ť