American actress and former model Sally Kirkland, known for her work in stage, television, and film, has passed away at the age of 84. Kirkland, who appeared 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.
Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed her passing on Tuesday morning. Kirkland had been facing health challenges and friends had set up a GoFundMe account to support her medical treatment after she suffered multiple fractures and infections.
Throughout her career, Kirkland appeared in a variety of films including “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” directed by Oliver Stone, “Heatwave” with Cicely Tyson, “High Stakes” with Kathy Bates, “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey, and the 1991 TV movie “The Haunted.”
Additionally, Kirkland had a cameo in Mel Brooks’s “Blazing Saddles.” Her most acclaimed role was in “Anna,” where she portrayed a Czech movie star navigating her life in the U.S. and mentoring a young actor, played by Paulina Porizkova. This performance earned Kirkland a Golden Globe 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 early modeling career. Kirkland later pursued acting, studying under renowned mentors like Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg.
Kirkland was actively involved in volunteer work, supporting causes such as the Red Cross and aiding individuals with AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. She was known for her advocacy for prisoners and her commitment to various social causes.
