Conchata Ferrell, whose brutal putdowns made her a 'Two and a Half Men' favorite, dies at 77

Longtime TV and film actor Conchata Ferrell, who gained her biggest fame as a seen-it-all putdown artist on CBS' "Two and a Half Men," has died. She was 77.

Ferrell died Monday at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles following cardiac arrest, manager Dan Spilo confirmed to USA TODAY. She had been hospitalized since May.

Ferrell, who got her TV start in the 1970s on Norman Lear comedies, compiled an impressive résumé on the big and small screens, including appearances in the films "Mystic Pizza," "Network," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Erin Brockovich," and regular and recurring roles in "L.A. Law," "Hearts Afire," "Townies" and "Teen Angel."

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However, it was the risqué, frequently crude CBS sitcom hit "Men," which ran from 2003 to 2015, where Ferrell reached her largest audience as wise-cracking housekeeper Berta, a fan favorite who verbally toyed with her buffoonish male counterparts.

The West Virginia native received Emmy nominations in 2005 and 2007 for her portrayal of world-weary Berta, who effortlessly swatted down her misbehaving employer, Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen); his brother Alan (Jon Cryer); Alan's son, Jake (Angus T. Jones); and Charlie's eventual successor, Walden Schmidt (Ashton Kutcher).

Sheen reacted to the news Tuesday, writing: "an absolute sweetheart a consummate pro a genuine friend a shocking and painful loss. Berta, your housekeeping was a tad suspect, your 'people' keeping was perfect."