American actress Sally Kirkland, known for her work in theater, television, and film, passed away at the age of 84. Kirkland, who starred alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford in “The Sting” and received an Oscar nomination for her role in “Anna” in 1987, died at a hospice in Palm Springs, California, as confirmed by her representative, Michael Greene.
Earlier this fall, a GoFundMe campaign was set up by friends to support Kirkland’s medical expenses after she suffered fractures in her neck, wrist, and hip, followed by infections that required hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Throughout her career, Kirkland appeared in various films such as “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, “Revenge” with Kevin Costner, “Cold Feet” with Keith Carradine and Tom Waits, “EDtv” directed by Ron Howard, “JFK” by Oliver Stone, “Heatwave” with Cicely Tyson, “High Stakes” with Kathy Bates, “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey, and the 1991 TV movie “The Haunted.” She also made a cameo in Mel Brooks’s “Blazing Saddles.”
One of Kirkland’s most prominent roles was in “Anna,” where she portrayed a Czech movie star rebuilding her life in the U.S. and mentoring a young actress, played by Paulina Porizkova. This performance earned Kirkland a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
On television, Kirkland appeared in shows like “Criminal Minds,” “Roseanne,” “Head Case,” “Valley of the Dolls,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” Born in New York City, Kirkland’s mother, a fashion editor, encouraged her to start modeling at a young age. Kirkland later pursued acting, graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and studying under mentors like Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg.
Kirkland’s volunteer work extended to various causes, including Red Cross initiatives. She also engaged in stage performances, notably in Terrence McNally’s “Sweet Eros” and Shakespeare productions such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Tempest.”
A member of several New Age groups, Kirkland taught Insight Transformational Seminars and was associated with the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. Despite facing criticism for her role in the film “Futz,” Kirkland’s advocacy for social causes, including AIDS, cancer, and homelessness, earned her recognition and praise.
Throughout her career, Kirkland’s commitment to charitable efforts and her diverse acting roles left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.