Background
Pitoniak was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Sophie (née Porubovic) and John Pitoniak.
Pitoniak was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Sophie (née Porubovic) and John Pitoniak.
Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
She was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She spent two years as a civilian actress immediately after World World War II, touring Japan, the Philippines and of Korea for the Army"s Special Services division. The play had its premiere at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, then moved to Broadway.
In 1994, Pitoniak received a second Tony nomination for her performance as Helen Potts in the Roundabout Theatre Company"s revival of Picnic.
Pitoniak performed frequently at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, in such plays as Norman"s Getting Out, Doctorate. L. Coburn"s The Gin Game, and Jane Martin"s Middle Aged White Guys. She also worked steadily in film and television, including the 1985 film version of Agnes of God, where she appeared as the mother of Jane Fonda"s character.
In 1987, Pitoniak played the role of Mary, in the 1987 Cheers episode "Pudd"n Head Boyd" (Season 6, Episode 9). In 2001, she played the role of Mistress
Berry in the Law and Order: SVU episode "Redemption" (Season 3, Episode 6).
Death
Pitoniak died from cancer at her home in Manhattan, New York City, New York at age 85.
