Anna and The Way We Were Actress Passes Away at 84
Sally Kirkland, the bold actress best known for her Oscar-nominated role in the film Anna, passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday. Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed that she died in hospice care located in Palm Springs.
Career Highlights of Sally Kirkland
Kirkland’s illustrious career spanned decades, accumulating over 260 acting credits on IMDb. Her performance in Anna, where she played an aging Czechoslovakian actress, earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe. This drama, directed by Yurek Bogayevicz and written by Agnieszka Holland, was made with a modest budget of less than $1 million and distributed by Vestron Pictures.
In addition to Anna, she appeared in notable films including The Way We Were (1973), where she acted alongside Barbra Streisand, and JFK (1991), portraying Rose Cheramie, a woman with foreknowledge of a presidential assassination attempt. Her versatility also showed in erotic thrillers like High Stakes (1989) and In the Heat of Passion (1992).
Recognition and Acclaim
Kirkland’s portrayal in Anna garnered her an Oscar nomination in 1988. She was famously nominated alongside Meryl Streep and Glenn Close. Reflecting on her Oscar experience, she remarked, “I felt like Cinderella” standing among Hollywood’s elite.
Early Life and Influences
Born on October 31, 1941, in New York City, Kirkland was the daughter of a prominent fashion editor. This background exposed her to the arts from an early age. She studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and later with Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio, where she shared a class with stars like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
- Born: October 31, 1941
- Notable Films: Anna, JFK, The Way We Were
- Oscar Nomination: 1988
- Total Film Credits: Over 260
Later Career and Legacy
Throughout her career, Kirkland navigated a variety of roles, including a stripper in High Stakes and a mother in Edtv (1999). She was also known for her role as an environmentalist on Days of Our Lives and as a teacher to aspiring actors.
Despite facing health challenges later in life, including serious infections and fractures, her impact on the film industry and contributions to the arts remain remarkable. Sally Kirkland’s legacy is characterized by her fearless performances and distinctive presence in cinema.
