Sally Kirkland has died at 84, with TMZ reporting she passed “just days after entering hospice care in Palm Springs, California.” She had been diagnosed with dementia last year, and her condition worsened. A GoFundMe created by friends said she faced “life-threatening infections” and had suffered a fall that caused “broken ribs” and other injuries. Friends, family, and admirers rallied around her during this difficult period.
Kirkland trained at the Actors Studio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which grounded her in method acting. In the 1960s, she became part of New York’s Off-Broadway and avant-garde scene and spent time at Andy Warhol’s Factory, experiences that shaped her fearless and experimental style.
Her breakthrough came with the 1987 film Anna, earning her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She was praised for portraying a complex character with intensity and vulnerability. She went on to appear in more than 200 films and TV projects, including JFK, Bruce Almighty, Roseanne, ER, and Law & Order, showing remarkable range across drama and comedy.
Kirkland continued returning to theater throughout her career, embracing challenging roles and becoming a mentor admired for her dedication and creative risk-taking.
Tributes after her passing highlighted her “steadfast commitment to the performing arts” and the influence she had on generations of actors. Her legacy is defined by authenticity, courage, and a body of work that continues to inspire audiences and performers alike.
