It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of acclaimed actress Sally Kirkland, who died at the age of 84 on November 11, 2025, at a hospice in Palm Springs, California.
A Life on Screen
Born in New York City on October 31, 1941, Kirkland was the daughter of a prominent fashion editor for Vogue and Life magazines. She began her career as a model and transitioned into acting, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and later the Actors Studio.
Her breakthrough came with the 1987 independent film Anna, in which she portrayed a faded Czech film star rebuilding her life in America. The performance earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Oscar nomination. Over her six-decade career, she appeared in more than 250 film and television productions, including credits in The Sting, JFK and Bruce Almighty.
The Twilight Years & Health Struggles
In recent years, Kirkland faced serious health challenges. Reports indicate she had been battling dementia and had suffered multiple fractures, infections and falls. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends this year to cover her mounting medical bills — a sobering reminder of the precariousness many artists face despite long careers.
Two days before her death, her representative confirmed she had entered hospice care.
Legacy
Sally Kirkland will be remembered not only for the audacity and emotional depth she brought to her roles but also for a resilience that took her through decades of change in Hollywood. Her performance in Anna remains a standout example of how independent cinema can define a career.
Her story is also a poignant reflection on aging, health and the financial vulnerability of even the most seasoned entertainers.
Final Words
“Thank you for all your love and support,” read one of her final public messages shared via her friends’ fundraising page. “Sally is grateful for your kindness and love. Please hold and send the light for Sally.”
As news of her passing spreads, the acting and film community joins in mourning her departure and celebrating a life devoted to craft, character, and courage.
