Stephanie Niznik, Actress in ‘Everwood’ and ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 52 https://t.co/nrXyltrYpx
— Variety (@Variety) July 12, 2019
Film, television and theater actor Stephanie Niznik (Theater 91) recently passed on June 23 at her home in Encino, Calif. Niznik is known for her roles on series including Everwood, Star Trek: Insurrection, Lost and NCIS. She was 52.
Born in Bangor, Maine, Niznik earned her Bachelor’s from Duke University with a double major in theater and Russian. She moved to California to pursue a master’s degree at CalArts, and began taking on acting roles in series like Murder She Wrote and Vanishing Son shortly thereafter. Niznik was a familiar face on television during the ’90s and early aughts, working in everything from sci-fi to drama. Her most enduring role was arguably as Nina Feeney, a main character on the family drama Everwood.
A joint statement from Everwood creator Greg Berlanti and showrunner Rina Mimoun described Niznik as “an incredible friend, a nurturing mother figure to our younger cast members and an artist who brought warmth, compassion and humor to every episode and our set. Everyone who was lucky enough to know and work with her will miss her dearly.”
Niznik was also an ardent volunteer at Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL), a nonprofit animal welfare and emergency relief organization. Her memoriam on the OBOL website lauded her “selfless dedication to animals and the homeless.” She also volunteered for various children and homeless aid organizations.
See a clip from Everwood featuring Niznik as Nina Feeney comforting Hannah Rogers (Sarah Drew) below.
Remembering Stephanie Niznik as her role of “Nina Feeney” on Everwood. A genuinely written and produced show. Thanks for bringing life to that character. Condolences to family and friends. pic.twitter.com/EGhF85n3Hv
— Anthony Peltier (@_anthonypeltier) July 14, 2019