American actress and former model Sally Kirkland, known for her performances in theater, television, and movies, has passed away at the age of 84. Kirkland, who starred alongside Paul Newman and Robert Redford in “The Sting” and received an Oscar nomination for her role in “Anna” in 1987, died at a hospice in Palm Springs, California on Tuesday.
Earlier this fall, a GoFundMe campaign was set up by friends to support Kirkland’s medical expenses. She had suffered fractures in four bones, including her neck, wrist, and hip, and faced complications such as infections during her recovery, leading to hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Throughout her career, Kirkland appeared in various films, including “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, “Revenge” with Kevin Costner, and “EDtv” directed by Ron Howard. She also had roles in “JFK” by Oliver Stone, “Heatwave” with Cicely Tyson, and “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey. Additionally, Kirkland made a notable appearance in Mel Brooks’s “Blazing Saddles.”
One of Kirkland’s most significant roles was in “Anna,” where she portrayed a Czech movie star navigating life in the U.S. and mentoring a young actress, played by Paulina Porizkova. Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
On television, Kirkland was seen in shows like “Criminal Minds,” “Roseanne,” and “Head Case,” and was a regular on series such as “Valley of the Dolls” and “Charlie’s Angels.” Born in New York City, Kirkland’s mother, a former fashion editor, encouraged her to pursue modeling at a young age. She later studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts under mentors like Philip Burton and Lee Strasberg.
Kirkland was actively involved in volunteer work, supporting causes such as the Red Cross. Her theatrical credits included performances in Terrence McNally’s “Sweet Eros” and Shakespearean productions like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Tempest.” She was also associated with New Age groups and taught Insight Transformational Seminars.
Despite facing criticism for certain film roles, such as her appearance in the controversial movie “Futz,” Kirkland remained dedicated to using her platform for social causes. She was known for her advocacy work for individuals battling illnesses like AIDS, cancer, and heart disease, as well as her support for the homeless and prisoners, particularly youth.
