It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of Sally Kirkland's passing. This Academy Award-nominated actress, known for her captivating performances, has left us at the age of 84.
Just days after entering hospice care due to complications from dementia, an infection, and a recent fall, the world mourns the loss of a true talent. While many remember her for her incredible work in the 1987 film Anna, earning her an Oscar nomination, horror fans will likely recall her chilling presence in Two Evil Eyes. In this anthology film, she starred in Dario Argento's adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale, The Black Cat.
But that's not all! Kirkland's talent extended beyond the silver screen. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the made-for-TV movie The Haunted, which was based on the Smurl haunting case. And this is the part most people miss... she also appeared in the 80s slasher Fatal Games.
Her impressive resume boasts a variety of genre credits, including roles in Trash Fire, Suburban Gothic, Fingerprints, Apartment 212, Jack the Reaper, Double Exposure, Buddy Hutchins, Paint It Black, and Forever.
Kirkland's career spanned an incredible six decades, with over 250 film and TV productions to her name. She graced the screen in iconic films such as JFK, Bruce Almighty, The Sting, Private Benjamin, The Way We Were, 80 for Brady, and even the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
In one of her final roles, Kirkland showcased her unique personality by playing herself in Sallywood, a film inspired by the true story of an aspiring writer who became her personal assistant.
What are your favorite Sally Kirkland roles? Share your memories of her work in the comments below. Do you think her contributions to horror are underrated? Let's discuss!
