In “Eureka Day,” changes were made to a scene because “the laughter was so robust backstage, they couldn’t hear the cues.”

Striving to widen the audience of dance, she brought vitality to Broadway musicals like “Swing!” as well as ballets and Hollywood films.

Onstage, the flip-side of filial devotion has often been contempt. But a wave of forceful and multidimensional mothers suggests that may be changing.

She won two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination for her role on the show. She also earned a Tony Award for best actress in the play “Broadway Bound.”