Laura Linney Misses Golden Globes Because of Father's Death

Laura Linney wasn't at the Golden Globes ceremony to accept her award for playing a cancer patient Sunday because her father succumbed to a real-life struggle with the disease.

The day before the show, "The Big C" actress' playwright father, Romulus Linney, died of lung cancer at his home in Germantown, N.Y., according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 80.

Linney was awarded in the category of Best Actress in a Television Comedy or Musical for her role on the Showtime series, which follows character Cathy Jamison's life after a cancer diagnosis. She was chosen over Toni Collette ("United States of Tara"), Edie Falco ("Nurse Jacke"), Tina Fey ("30 Rock") and Lea Michele {"Glee"). Members of the academy accepted the award on behalf of her due to her absence.

The Golden Globe was yet another trophy added to the Linney mantle. Her late father has won two Obie awards, two National Critics awards and three Drama-Logue awards. He is best known for his adaptation of Ernest Gaines' novel, "A Lesson Before Dying," according to Broadway.com.

In addition to Laura, Romulus is survived by his wife, Laura Callanan, and another daughter, Susan.

Selected Reading: The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, CNN.

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