M*A*S*H star Eileen Saki dies aged 79 after battle with cancer

M*A*S*H actress Eileen Saki, best known for playing bar owner Rosie on the hit series, has died aged 79.

The star died from pancreatic cancer on Monday in Los Angeles, People confirmed.

"Eileen Saki passed away peacefully in Los Angeles yesterday, May 1st," her manager Camilla Fluxman Pines said in a statement.

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"She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January. She was a lung cancer survivor in 2004. 

"She got a second chance at auditioning and working in the industry that she loved so much – she shot a couple big commercials shortly before her diagnosis."

The statement continued: "She was often recognised by face or even just voice by people who knew they knew her 'from somewhere' – and loved talking to young actors about the journey."

Saki's co-star Jeff Maxwell paid tribute to his late colleague with an emotional post on Facebook.

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"Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie," he wrote. "On behalf of her husband Bob, we extend sincere appreciation for the hundreds of M*A*S*H fans who filled Eileen's final days with peace, encouragement, and love. 

"She read every email and responded to as many as she could. We will share more remembrances of Eileen Saki throughout the day. You are invited to do the same."

"Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you. How we will miss you. #GoodbyeFarewellandAmen"

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Saki played Rosie on M*A*S*H for eight episodes after she took on the role from Frances Fong and Shizuko Hoshi.

She was the final and longest-running actress to play the iconic owner of Rosie's Bar during the sitcom, which ran from 1972 until 1983.

She also appeared in episodes of the TV shows Without a Trace and Good Times, as well as the 1984 film Splash alongside Tom Hanks.