Golden Globe-Winning Actress Sally Kirkland Dead at 84

Sally Kirkland, the Golden Globe-winning actress whose career spanned more than six decades across film, television, and theater, has died at the age of 84.

TMZ first reported the news, confirming that Kirkland passed away just days after being moved into hospice care in Palm Springs, Southern California.

According to reports, the decision to transition her to hospice came following her diagnosis with dementia last year. In recent months, friends and colleagues had expressed concern over her declining health and growing medical challenges.

A GoFundMe page launched by her friends revealed that Kirkland had been battling “life-threatening infections” after suffering a serious fall in the shower. The page, created to help cover her mounting medical expenses, explained that the actress had sustained multiple injuries, including broken ribs and foot trauma, as well as cuts and bruises.

“She had a fall in the shower when she was left unattended, injuring her ribs, foot, along with cuts and bruises,” the page stated, underscoring the urgency of her need for care.

Before becoming a respected film and television performer, Kirkland trained at the prestigious Actors Studio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She soon became a vibrant force in New York’s Off-Broadway and avant-garde scene of the 1960s, where she was closely associated with Andy Warhol’s Factory.

Her eclectic career and fearless spirit would later earn her widespread acclaim — and a Golden Globe — cementing her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and enduring talents.

Her breakthrough came with the 1987 film Anna, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Drama.

Over a remarkable six-decade career, Kirkland appeared in more than 200 films and television shows, including JFK, Bruce Almighty, and the beloved sitcom Roseanne.

Rest in peace, Sally Kirkland — and thank you for the unforgettable memories.