'House Of Cards' Actress Elizabeth Norment Dead At 61; Netflix Showrunner Releases Statement

“House of Cards” actress Elizabeth Norment, who portrayed the role of Nancy Kaufberger on the Netflix series, has died at the age of 61. The news was confirmed by the actress’ sister, Kate, who revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Norment had passed away on Monday, Oct. 13, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Other details surrounding Norment’s death are unknown.

The veteran actress, who appeared in flicks like “The Woman in Red” (1984) and “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” (1997), was best known for her stint on the critically acclaimed political drama “House of Cards.” Norment’s character played Frank Underwood’s (Kevin Spacey) loyal executive secretary in the Emmy-nominated series, who stood by the corrupt politician’s side from his time in the House of Representatives to his recent presidential promotion.

Beau Willimon, creator of “House of Cards,” released a statement regarding the loss of the show's beloved cast member. “Everyone at ‘House of Cards’ is deeply saddened by Elizabeth’s passing. She was a talented actress, a warm soul and a good friend to us all," he said of the Washington, D.C., native.

Executives at MRC, the production company of “House of Cards,” chimed in with their condolences regarding Norment’s death. “Elizabeth Norment was a talented actress with a beautiful spirit who touched the entire ‘House of Cards’ family,” MRC said in a statement.

Elizabeth Norment received her master’s degree from Yale School of Drama in 1979 and later became a founding member of Robert Brustein’s American Repertory Threatre. The late actress is survived by three sisters, one brother, six nieces and nephews and her mother.