'West Side Story' Actress Carole D’Andrea dead at 87 — As Star's Daughters Cry They Were 'By Her Side As She Passed' in Heartbreaking Statement
'West Side Story' star Carole D'Andrea has died.
March 19 2025, Published 1:26 p.m. ET
Carole D’Andrea, who originated the role of Velma onstage in West Side Story and on-screen in the classic movie adaptation, has died at age 87, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The star died on March 11 of heart failure surrounded by her family at her home in Santa Monica.
The actress was 87.
Her three daughters, Andre Doven, 63, Robin Morse, 61, and Hilary Morse, 59 shared the news on Instagram: "We are writing to let you know that our beloved mother passed away peacefully at home this past Tuesday, March 11th 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.'"
The statement added that their mother burned bright: "She lived and loved fully, as many of you well know, and we as her daughters will do our best to pass along her legacy for the rest of our days.
"For now, we are just trying to imagine how to proceed in a world without her."
A strong advocate against alcohol addiction, D'Andrea died on the 44th anniversary of her sobriety from alcohol.
The daughters' message noted: "She also died on her 44th AA sobriety anniversary, which she said was 'the day that I changed my life.'
"She told us many times in her last few days what a quality life she led as a mother, grandmother, performer, and teacher."
She was also a beloved acting teacher.
D’Andrea was one of only six actors from the original 1957 Broadway cast of West Side Story to appear in the 1961 feature film adaptation. Her character Velma was a rich girl who dated Riff and befriended a lot of the Jet girls.
She was married to the late actor Robert Morse, a Tony winner who also starred on Mad Men, from 1961 until their divorce in 1981.
After the births of her daughters, D'Andrea gave up acting to care for them. But she continued to share her craft as a teacher – with her own acting school in Los Angeles.
She was still actively teaching up until a week before her death.
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Many of her former students and fans shared their grief online.
Actor Eduardo Enrikez shared: "I love you and I will miss you dearly my sweet sweet Carole D'andrea. You were my guide my light my mentor my friend.
"I would not be the artist nor the man I am today If It wasn't for you. I will foreverer carry your light in my heart. Till we meet again my beautiful angel!!"
Another friend echoed: "Oh Carole you beautiful soul .. I will remember your wisdom and your soul forever ... condolence's to your family."
While a third friend wrote: "The Love lives on. And OH! she loved fiercely! Beautiful soft, brave and giving Carole. Wrapping the daughters, their partners and children in Comfort and Light."
