Actress Barbara Allyne Bennet dies at 76

Character actress Barbara Allyne Bennet has died at a hospital in Duarte, California.
She was 76.
The Cleveland native, who died on January 9, appeared in the 1988 film "Mac and Me" and guest-starred on TV series such as "The West Wing", "The Office", "Brothers & Sisters", "Shameless", "Chicago Hope" and "NYPD Blue".
During a career that spanned more than five decades, Bennet worked in front of and behind the camera.
She also lent her distinctive voice to national commercials for such major brands as Hyundai, Ford and Tide detergent.
Earlier, Bennet worked as a production assistant on "The Rose" (1979) and as a production coordinator on the TV series "Flying High". She also served on the SAG board from 2005-07 and chaired the guild's casting committee.

She was an active member of the Television Academy throughout her professional life.
Bennet is survived by her family in Cleveland.
A special service and celebration will be announced soon.