Actor William Sadler Mourns Death of Wife After Decades-Long Marriage: 'Don't Think I Can Fathom or Put Into Words'

Mar. 15, 2025

William Sadler and wife Marni Joan Bakst.Photo:Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

William Sadleris mourning the death of his wife,Marni Joan Bakst.TheSalem’s Lotactor, 74, announced Bakst’s death in a touching tribute written alongside a throwback photo of the two holding coffee mugs on their wedding morning on May 6, 1978.In the tribute, shared onFacebookon Thursday, Dec. 19, theRoswellstar wrote: “Early yesterday morning, my wife, Marni Bakst, finally lost her two year battle with cancer. After what has been an amazing forty five years of marriage I don’t think I can fathom or put into words much of this yet.““Maybe with time and a little distance I’ll find it easier to describe this extraordinary artist, feminist, wife, and mother, but for now I want to thank you all for your patience and kind words. Yours, Bill,” the post read. A shortened version of the announcement was also shared onX.Sadler’s fans extend their condolences on both social media platforms.“William, there are no words, brother. My sincerest condolences. May Marni’s memory be a blessing. Hang in there. 🙏,” one fan wrote. “God be with you. Your family and friends will help. I am so sorry for your loss,” shared another.The coupleshared one daughter, Sadler Colley Bakst, throughout their decades-long marriage.William Sadler attends “When They See Us” World Premiere at The Apollo Theater on May 20, 2019 in New York City.John Lamparski/GettyWhen he and Bakst crossed their 45th wedding anniversary milestone in 2023, the movie star shared the same picture from their wedding day, alongside a loving message where he expressed what he loved most about his wife.“This picture was taken the morning of our wedding, exactly forty five years ago today. The extraordinary looking young woman with the huge eyes is Ms. Marni Bakst. The lucky young man is me,” he wrote in the May 6, 2023social media post.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“All these years later I still bring her coffee, she still has those beautiful eyes, and I’m still the luckiest man on this, or any other planet. Happy Anniversary Marni! ❤️ Love aways, Bill,” his message continued.

William Sadleris mourning the death of his wife,Marni Joan Bakst.

TheSalem’s Lotactor, 74, announced Bakst’s death in a touching tribute written alongside a throwback photo of the two holding coffee mugs on their wedding morning on May 6, 1978.

In the tribute, shared onFacebookon Thursday, Dec. 19, theRoswellstar wrote: “Early yesterday morning, my wife, Marni Bakst, finally lost her two year battle with cancer. After what has been an amazing forty five years of marriage I don’t think I can fathom or put into words much of this yet.”

“Maybe with time and a little distance I’ll find it easier to describe this extraordinary artist, feminist, wife, and mother, but for now I want to thank you all for your patience and kind words. Yours, Bill,” the post read. A shortened version of the announcement was also shared onX.

Sadler’s fans extend their condolences on both social media platforms.

“William, there are no words, brother. My sincerest condolences. May Marni’s memory be a blessing. Hang in there. 🙏,” one fan wrote. “God be with you. Your family and friends will help. I am so sorry for your loss,” shared another.

The coupleshared one daughter, Sadler Colley Bakst, throughout their decades-long marriage.

William Sadler attends “When They See Us” World Premiere at The Apollo Theater on May 20, 2019 in New York City.John Lamparski/Getty

John Lamparski/Getty

When he and Bakst crossed their 45th wedding anniversary milestone in 2023, the movie star shared the same picture from their wedding day, alongside a loving message where he expressed what he loved most about his wife.

“This picture was taken the morning of our wedding, exactly forty five years ago today. The extraordinary looking young woman with the huge eyes is Ms. Marni Bakst. The lucky young man is me,” he wrote in the May 6, 2023social media post.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“All these years later I still bring her coffee, she still has those beautiful eyes, and I’m still the luckiest man on this, or any other planet. Happy Anniversary Marni! ❤️ Love aways, Bill,” his message continued.

source: people.com