Sally Kirkland: A Legendary Actress and Advocate
Sally Kirkland, a talented actress and former model, has passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by her representative, Michael Greene, to the Associated Press. Kirkland’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, with notable roles in films like “The Sting,” “The Way We Were,” and “Anna,” for which she received an Oscar nomination.
Her representative announced that Kirkland died on Tuesday morning at a Palm Springs hospice. Friends had established a GoFundMe account to support her medical care after she fractured four bones in her neck, right wrist, and left hip, and developed infections that required hospitalization and rehab.
A Distinguished Career
Kirkland’s filmography includes a wide range of roles, from “Revenge” with Kevin Costner to “Cold Feet” with Keith Carradine and Tom Waits. She also appeared in Ron Howard’s “EDtv,” Oliver Stone’s “JFK,” and had a cameo in Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles.” Her television credits include stints on “Criminal Minds,” “Roseanne,” and “Head Case,” as well as series regular roles on “Valley of the Dolls” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
Her breakout role came in 1987 with the film “Anna,” where she played a fading Czech movie star remaking her life in the United States. Kirkland’s performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, alongside notable actresses like Cher, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, and Meryl Streep.
A Passion for Shakespeare and Social Causes
Kirkland was born in New York City to a fashion editor mother who encouraged her to start modeling at age 5. She graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and studied with renowned instructors like Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg. Kirkland believed that acting in Shakespearean plays was essential for any serious actor, saying, “I don’t think any actor can really call him or herself an actor unless he or she puts in time with Shakespeare.”
Throughout her career, Kirkland was also known for her advocacy work, particularly in supporting people with AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, participated in telethons for hospices, and advocated for inmates’ rights. Kirkland’s commitment to social causes and her dedication to her craft have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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