Sally Kirkland, known for her roles in Anna and The Sting, dies after lengthy health struggles
Sally Kirkland, the Oscar-nominated actress famous for her roles in Anna (1987), The Sting (1973), and JFK (1991), has passed away at the age of 84. Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed the news, stating that Kirkland died early on Tuesday morning at a hospice in Palm Springs.
Kirkland had been battling a series of health problems in recent years, including a fracture of six bones last year, which was followed by two life-threatening infections. She was also diagnosed with dementia, a condition that added to the challenges she faced in her later years.
In the wake of her health struggles, a GoFundMe page was created by her friends to help with her medical expenses, raising over £45,000 ($60,000) for her treatment. Despite these challenges, Kirkland continued to inspire both on and off the screen.
Her most iconic role came in the 1987 film Anna, where she portrayed a fading Czech movie star trying to rebuild her life in the U.S., mentoring a younger actor along the way. Her performance in this film earned her a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award nomination. She was recognised alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Cher in Moonstruck, Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, Holly Hunter in Broadcast News, and Meryl Streep in Ironweed.
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Kirkland’s career spanned decades, beginning with her early involvement in the arts. Born in New York City, she was encouraged to begin modelling at just five years old by her mother, who worked as a fashion editor for Vogue and Life magazines. Kirkland went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 1961.
Her breakthrough came in the 1960s when she appeared in Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Beautiful Women (1964), marking the start of her acting career. She also appeared in several off-Broadway Shakespeare productions, playing roles such as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Miranda in The Tempest. Kirkland was passionate about classical theatre, once stating in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, “I don’t think any actor can really call him or herself an actor unless he or she puts in time with Shakespeare.”
Kirkland was not just known for her acting but also for her boldness in addressing taboo subjects. She was infamous for her nude scenes, often using her body as a form of artistic and social expression. Her willingness to appear nude was not only a personal choice but also a political one, as she frequently used her visibility to advocate for various causes.
In particular, Kirkland was a fierce advocate for people living with AIDS, the homeless, and prisoners. She used her fame to speak out on behalf of these marginalized groups, often participating in campaigns and raising awareness for their struggles. Her work as an activist was as vital to her as her acting career.
Kirkland’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades, one that saw her both challenge societal norms and make lasting contributions to both cinema and social justice. She is survived by her friends, family, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work.
Her legacy will live on not only through her iconic roles in film but also through her tireless advocacy and unflinching commitment to the causes she held dear.