Sally Kirkland, the iconic actress and Golden Globe winner, has passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a career spanning decades. Her death, confirmed by her spokesperson Michael Greene, occurred at 1:50 am PT on November 11th, just days after she entered hospice care in a Palm Springs hospital. The actress had been battling dementia for the past year, as revealed by a GoFundMe page set up to support her medical expenses. The page also shed light on her recent health struggles, including two life-threatening infections and multiple bone fractures, which had a significant impact on her recovery process.
Kirkland's career began as a model, thanks to her mother's influence as the assistant editor and later fashion editor of Vogue. She later transitioned into acting, inspired by her fascination with Marilyn Monroe. Her breakthrough roles included 'The Sting' and 'Anna,' earning her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win. More recently, she appeared in the ensemble cast of '80 For Brady,' alongside renowned actresses like Jane Fonda and Sally Field.
Despite her successful career, Kirkland faced financial setbacks due to poor investment advice from a financial advisor-business manager in 2007, during the market crash. This led to a significant loss of her investments, including the money she earned during her peak years in the 1980s and 1990s. The GoFundMe page highlighted the challenges she faced, including the bone fractures, infections, and the subsequent medical expenses, which exceeded the insurance coverage period.
Kirkland's passing marks the end of a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, leaving fans and colleagues alike to reflect on her contributions to film and television. Her work continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring her legacy will endure for generations to come.
