'Cape Fear' actress Polly Bergen dies at 84

Actress Poplly Bergen, best known for her role in 1962 film 'Cape Fear', has died here at her home in Southbury, Connecticut. She was 84.

Bergen, a lifelong smoker, died of complications from emphysema yesterday morning, reported Deadline.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary actress and long-time friend and client, Polly Bergen. She died peacefully at her home in Southbury, surrounded by her family, long-time personal manager, Jan McCormack and close friends," the publicist said in a statement.

The brunette beauty's last big screen appearance was in the 2012 film 'Struck By Lightening', in which she played Chris Colfer's grandmother.

Colfer took to his Twitter account shortly after Bergen's death was announced to express his sadness.

"Farewell to my dear friend, Polly. I'm so blessed to have had you in my life. No one could make me smile or laugh like you. I will miss you with all my heart. 'Grandma' for a movie, but family for life," he wrote.

Bergen was also an established singer and released a number of albums throughout her successful career. She also made her Broadway debut in 'John Murray Anderson's Almanac' in 1953.

She won an Emmy Award in 1958 for her performance as Helen Morgan in  biographical film 'The Helen Morgan Story' (1957). She played Felicity Huffman's mother on the ABC drama 'Desperate Housewives' in the recent years.

Bergen also hosted her own variety show for one season ('The Polly Bergen Show'), and as an author wrote three books on beauty, fashion, and charm.

The actress is survived by her children Peter Fields, Kathy Lander and Pamela Fields, as well as her three grandchildren.