‘The Age of Innocence’ Actress Passes Away at 79
Mary Beth Hurt, the acclaimed actress best known for her roles in “The Age of Innocence” and “Six Degrees of Separation,” has passed away at 79. She died following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2015. Hurt’s daughter, Molly Schrader, announced her death on social media.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Born on September 25, 1946, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Hurt was influenced early on by actress Jean Seberg, who was her babysitter. She pursued her passion for acting at the University of Iowa and New York University. Her stage career began with the 1974 off-Broadway production “More Than You Deserve,” leading to three Tony Award nominations:
- Trelawny of the Wells (1975)
- Crimes of the Heart (1981)
- Benefactors (1985-1986)
Film and Television Roles
Hurt’s film career took off when she made her onscreen debut in 1978 in Woody Allen’s “Interiors,” sharing the screen with Diane Keaton. Her notable film appearances include:
- “The World According to Garp” (1982)
- “The Age of Innocence” (1993)
- “Six Degrees of Separation” (1993)
- “Autumn in New York” (2000)
- “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (2005)
- “The Dead Girl” (2006)
- “Lady in the Water” (2006)
- “Young Adult” (2011)
She also appeared in television series such as “Kojak,” “Thirtysomething,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Law & Order.”
Personal Life
Mary Beth Hurt was first married to actor William Hurt from 1971 until their divorce in 1982. She later married filmmaker Paul Schrader in 1983, with whom she had two children: a daughter, Molly, and a son, Sam.
Despite the pain of her illness, her family finds solace in her release from suffering and her reunion with loved ones who have passed.
