American actress Sally Kirkland, known for her work in stage, television, and film, has passed away at the age of 84. Kirkland, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in the 1987 film “Anna” and appeared in movies such as “The Sting” alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford, died at a hospice in Palm Springs, California, according to her representative Michael Greene.
Earlier this year, friends had set up a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to assist with Kirkland’s medical expenses. She had suffered fractures in her neck, right wrist, and left hip, leading to hospitalization and subsequent infections during her recovery.
Throughout her career, Kirkland had notable roles in films like “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, “Revenge” with Kevin Costner, and “JFK” directed by Oliver Stone. She also appeared in television shows such as “Criminal Minds” and “Roseanne,” and was a regular on series like “Valley of the Dolls” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
Born in New York City, Kirkland’s early acting training included studying under notable mentors like Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg. She made her mark in the entertainment industry with appearances in various productions, including Andy Warhol’s “13 Most Beautiful Women” in 1964.
Apart from her acting career, Kirkland was actively involved in volunteer work, supporting causes such as AIDS awareness, cancer research, and advocating for prisoners’ rights. She was also a member of New Age groups and participated in spiritual seminars.
Despite facing criticism for some of her film roles, Kirkland’s dedication to acting and her philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on those she worked with and the causes she supported.