One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest star and Bill Cosby accuser Louisa Moritz dies at 72 as her lawyer confirms her defamation suit against the disgraced comic will continue

  • The actress, best known for her role as Rose alongside Jack Nicholson, passed away at her LA home last week of 'natural causes related to her heart'
  • Moritz called Cosby 'a raping monster' after she accused him sexual assault
  • She was one of seven women to have filed a suit against Cosby 
  • Her 'claim against Mr. Cosby will continue in a Federal court', lawyer said
  • Moritz also became a lawyer and successful realtor in Los Angeles
  • 'Louisa Moritz was so full of life, talent', her rep said, confirming her death 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest star and Bill Cosby accuser Louisa Moritz has died at the age of 72. 

The actress, best known for her role as Rose alongside Jack Nicholson in the Oscar winning movie, passed away at her LA home last week.  

Moritz called Cosby 'a raping monster' and said she looked forward to seeing him 'in handcuffs on his way to prison' following his conviction. 

In 2014 the star accused Cosby, 81, of sexual assault, saying he once forced her into oral sex backstage at The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1971, and implied he would further her career if she went through with it.

She was one of seven women - Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie - who have filed the suit against Cosby accusing him of defaming them in the press by calling them all liars. 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest star and Bill Cosby accuser Louisa Moritz has died aged 72

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest star and Bill Cosby accuser Louisa Moritz has died aged 72

Bill Cosby was sentenced in September to three to 10 years behind bars for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004. He is pictured here in his mugshot in 2018

Bill Cosby was sentenced in September to three to 10 years behind bars for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004. He is pictured here in his mugshot in 2018

Her lawyer Joseph Cammarata told The Blast: 'Louisa Moritz was a brave woman who stood up against a powerful Hollywood icon, Bill Cosby, in an effort to restore her good name and reputation, after he publicly branded her a liar when she made public her allegations of sexual abuse and assault by Mr. Cosby.

'Ms. Moritz was one of seven women who sued Bill Cosby for defamation. Despite her death, her claim against Mr. Cosby will continue in a Federal court in Massachusetts. 

'We forward to a resolution of the case that will establish that Louisa was a ‘truth teller’, so that her legacy will live forever untarnished.'

Louisa, who was born in Havana, Cuba, on September 25, 1946, is thought to have died of natural causes related to her heart after 'deteriorated' physically in the last few years.

She also starred in TV shows in the 1970s and 80s including M*A*S*H and "The Incredible Hulk and became a successful realtor in Los Angeles. Moritz - who also became a lawyer - was reportedly working on two books at the time of her death. 

In 2014 the star, pictured, accused Cosby, 81, of sexual assault, saying he once forced her into oral sex
Louisa. pictured in 1968, is thought to have died of natural causes related to her heart

In 2014 the star, pictured in 2011, accused Cosby of sexual assault, saying he once forced her into oral sex. Louisa, pictured in 1968, is thought to have died of natural causes 

Moritz, pictured here alongside Danny Devito, is best know for her role at Rose alongside Jack Nicholson in the Oscar winning movie

Moritz, pictured here alongside Danny Devito, is best know for her role at Rose alongside Jack Nicholson in the Oscar winning movie

Her rep Edward Lozzi told The Blast: 'Louisa Moritz was so full of life, talent, and she was a genius with a 6th sense for making money. 

'Her parties in Mt. Olympus in the 1980s were wild and most popular with actors, producers, models, make up artists, set directors, stuntmen…all of the categories. 

'Her support of the Motion Picture Home and animal rights groups was heavy. Her 100s of TV and film roles will keep her memory alive with her fans forever. 

'Her support of other women who accused Bill Cosby of rape will keep her with us for years to come.'

Cosby was sentenced in September to three to 10 years behind bars for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004. 

Moritz called Cosby 'a raping monster' and her lawyer said her 'claim against Mr. Cosby will continue in a Federal court'

Moritz called Cosby 'a raping monster' and her lawyer said her 'claim against Mr. Cosby will continue in a Federal court'

 

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