Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kirkland has died at the age of 84, bringing an end to a celebrated Hollywood career. Kirkland, a veteran performer, was known for her standout roles in films that featured icons like Paul Newman and Robert Redford. She also appeared in the 1991 film ‘JFK,’ a historic account of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and in ‘EDtv,’ a television movie that explored issues of privacy and technology. Her final film, ‘Sallywood,’ is set to release on November 14, marking her last contribution to the film industry.
Kirkland’s manager, in a statement shared with Fox News Digital, described her as a force to be reckoned with, highlighting her deep love for acting that never wavered. Her dedication to the craft saw her transition from a leading lady to an actress known for her profound and memorable character portrayals. Kirkland passed away on Tuesday morning at a Palm Springs hospice. Her last years were marked by a series of health challenges, including injuries from a fall that left her with fractures in her neck, right wrist, and left hip. These injuries necessitated her entering hospice care, which she did weeks after the incident, as revealed in an update to her GoFundMe page.
Kirkland’s legacy in cinema is underscored by her iconic performances, including her role in ‘The Sting,’ alongside Newman and Redford, which remains a classic in American film. She was best known for her Golden Globe-winning performance in ‘Anna,’ which earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a respected actress. Her personal life was equally notable, featuring two marriages to musicians and producers, including her husband, Michael Jarrett, in 1975 and Mark Hebert in 1985. Both marriages came to an end in divorce, as she moved on to focus on her career.
Kirkland’s filmography includes a wide range of works, from dramatic films like ‘The Way We Were’ with Barbra Streisand to more commercial projects such as ‘Revenge’ with Kevin Costner and ‘Cold Feet’ with Keith Carradine and Tom Waits. She also made appearances in television series such as ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ and ‘Criminal Minds.’ Her later career saw her take on more challenging roles, including her performance as a fading Czech movie star in ‘Anna’ and her appearances in films like ‘Tom in America’ and ‘Richard III.’
Her work in the 1960s often included nude scenes, which was both controversial and groundbreaking at the time. One of her early breakout roles was in Andy Warhol’s ’13 Most Beautiful Women,’ which marked her as a prominent figure in the New Hollywood era. She also appeared in Terrence McNally’s off-Broadway play ‘Sweet Eros,’ in which she portrayed a kidnapped rape victim. Kirkland reflected on her career in a 2002 interview with the Los Angeles Times, emphasizing the duality of her life—defined by the interplay of spirituality and glamour.