Sally Kirkland, the versatile actress and former model, has passed away at the age of 84. Kirkland's representative confirmed that she died on Tuesday morning at a hospice in Palm Springs. In recent months, friends had set up a GoFundMe account to assist with her medical expenses, following her recovery from multiple fractures and subsequent infections.
Kirkland was widely recognized for her roles in both film and television. She starred alongside notable actors such as Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the 1973 classic "The Sting," and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 1987 film "Anna." In this role, she portrayed a Czech movie star navigating her new life in the United States, earning acclaim for her performance alongside peers like Cher and Meryl Streep.
Her filmography includes appearances in notable works such as "The Way We Were," "JFK," and "Bruce Almighty," as well as a cameo in Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles." On television, she appeared in series like "Criminal Minds," "Roseanne," and was a regular on "Charlie’s Angels."
Born in New York City, Kirkland was encouraged to pursue modeling from a young age by her mother, a fashion editor. She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and had early theatrical experience in Shakespearean productions. Throughout her career, she was known for her bold performances, sometimes involving nudity, which earned her the moniker of "the latter-day Isadora Duncan of nudothespianism."
Kirkland was also active in various charitable causes, supporting individuals affected by AIDS, cancer, and homelessness, reflecting her commitment to social issues. Her contributions to the arts and her philanthropic efforts will be remembered alongside her artistic legacy.