Sally Kirkland Died: Remembering the Golden Globe-Winning Actress at 84
Oscar-Nominated Icon Passes Away at 84 After Battling Health Complications – A Look Back at Her Legendary Career from Anna to Roseanne
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Sally Kirkland, the beloved Oscar-nominated actress who passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 84. The Golden Globe winner died peacefully in hospice care in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a remarkable six-decade career spanning over 300 film and television projects.
Sally Kirkland Today: Her Final Days and Legacy
Breaking News: Beloved Actress Passes Away in Hospice Care After Year-Long Health Battle
Sally Kirkland today marks a sad day for Hollywood as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of this legendary actress. In her final months, Sally Kirkland faced significant health challenges that touched the hearts of fans worldwide. When people ask “what happened to Sally Kirkland today,” the answer reflects a year of mounting health struggles. The actress had been battling dementia for over a year and suffered multiple serious injuries, including fractured bones in her neck, right wrist, and left hip following a fall in her shower in October 2024. She also developed two life-threatening infections—a bone infection that spread to her bloodstream—requiring extensive medical care.
Her friends established a GoFundMe campaign in November 2024 to help with overwhelming medical expenses after SAG-AFTRA cancelled supplemental insurance for members over 65 in 2021. The campaign raised over $60,000 from more than 600 donors who rallied to support the actress who had given so much to the entertainment industry. Despite her declining health, Kirkland remained active professionally, completing several film projects as recently as 2024 and 2025.
Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed that Kirkland passed away at 1:50 AM PST on Tuesday morning after being placed in hospice care over the weekend. She was surrounded by the love of close friends and her godson, Coty Galloway (Bailey), in her final moments.
Sally Kirkland Roseanne: Television Career Highlights
From Sitcoms to Dramas: How Sally Kirkland Became a TV Icon Through Memorable Roles
Sally Kirkland Roseanne appearance remains one of her most beloved television roles. Sally Kirkland’s television career was as impressive as her film work. She had a memorable recurring role on the hit sitcom “Roseanne,” where she showcased her versatility alongside other television appearances. When fans search for “Sally Kirkland Roseanne,” they discover just one highlight of her extensive small-screen career. Her television credits were extensive and varied, including guest spots and recurring roles on beloved shows such as:
- “Roseanne” (recurring role)
- “Valley of the Dolls” (series regular)
- “Charlie’s Angels” (series regular)
- “Days of Our Lives”
- “Felicity”
- “Criminal Minds”
- “Hawaii Five-O”
- “Kojak”
- “Three’s Company”
- “Starsky & Hutch”
- “Falcon Crest”
Her ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles made her a sought-after talent in Hollywood for decades. Whether playing complex characters in dramas or bringing humor to sitcoms, Kirkland’s performances were always memorable and authentic.
Sally Kirkland Young: Early Career and Rise to Fame
From Child Model to Andy Warhol’s Muse: The Early Years That Shaped a Hollywood Legend
Sally Kirkland young years were filled with glamour, art, and determination. Born on October 31, 1941, in New York City, Sally Kirkland was destined for the spotlight. Photos of Sally Kirkland young show a stunning beauty who began modeling at just five years old. Named after her mother, Sally Kirkland Sr., who was a legendary fashion editor at Vogue and LIFE magazine, young Sally began modeling at just five years old. Named after her mother, Sally Kirkland Sr., who was a legendary fashion editor at Vogue and LIFE magazine, young Sally began modeling at just five years old. Her mother was responsible for putting Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Faye Dunaway, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on magazine covers, making them fashion icons.
Despite growing up surrounded by “gorgeous models” like Veruschka von Lehndorff, Ali MacGraw, and Lauren Hutton, Sally once described herself as feeling like “the ugly duckling” in comparison. However, this didn’t deter her from pursuing her passion for acting.
Kirkland graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1961 and studied under legendary acting teachers including Lee Strasberg, the master of Method acting, and Philip Burton, who mentored Richard Burton. She made her Off-Broadway debut in 1963 and quickly became involved with Andy Warhol’s avant-garde art collective, The Factory.
In 1964, Warhol cast her in his underground film “The 13 Most Beautiful Women,” marking her as one of the director’s muses. Kirkland became known for her fearless approach to acting, including being the first actress to appear completely nude on stage in the 1968 off-Broadway production “Sweet Eros.” Time magazine even dubbed her “the latter-day Isadora Duncan of nudothespianism” for her willingness to disrobe for artistic roles and social causes.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kirkland built an impressive filmography with supporting roles in major Hollywood productions including “The Sting” (1973) with Paul Newman and Robert Redford, “The Way We Were” (1973) with Barbra Streisand, “A Star Is Born” (1976), and “Private Benjamin” (1980) with Goldie Hawn.
Sally Kirkland Net Worth: Financial Struggles in Later Years
Despite Decades of Success, Oscar Nominee Faced Financial Hardship Due to Medical Bills and Lost Savings
Sally Kirkland net worth became a topic of concern in her final years as the legendary actress struggled financially. Despite her successful career spanning over 300 projects, Sally Kirkland faced significant financial challenges in her later years. Many fans wondering about Sally Kirkland net worth were surprised to learn that even accomplished Hollywood stars can face financial hardship. While her exact net worth at the time of her death has not been publicly disclosed, it was widely reported that she struggled financially due to several factors.
According to the GoFundMe page created by her friends, Kirkland’s savings were “significantly impacted by bad investment advice in 2007.” The 2008 financial crisis and subsequent poor financial management left her vulnerable precisely when her medical needs escalated. Additionally, when SAG-AFTRA cancelled supplemental insurance coverage for members over age 65 in 2021, Kirkland found herself without adequate health coverage to manage her mounting medical bills.
The actress had no spouse or children to rely on for financial support, and the cost of 24/7 specialized care, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and treatment for her bone fractures and infections became overwhelming. The fundraising campaign her friends organized highlighted how even accomplished Hollywood performers can face financial hardship in their later years, particularly when dealing with serious health issues.
Kirkland’s financial situation stood in stark contrast to her professional achievements, which included a Golden Globe win, an Academy Award nomination, an Independent Spirit Award, and the LA Film Critics Circle Award for her performance in “Anna” (1987).
Is Sally Kirkland Still Alive? Confirming Her Passing
No, Sally Kirkland Passed Away November 11, 2025 – Here’s What We Know About Her Final Moments
No, Sally Kirkland is not still alive. The actress passed away on November 11, 2025, at 1:50 AM PST at a hospice facility in Palm Springs, California. Her death was confirmed by her representative, Michael Greene, to multiple media outlets including Variety, TMZ, and CNN.
Kirkland had been placed in hospice care over the weekend before her death as her health continued to decline. In addition to dementia, she was suffering from the aftereffects of multiple bone fractures and serious infections that had developed during her recovery. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the financial support from fans and friends, her condition worsened, leading to her peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones.
The news of her death was announced on November 11, 2025, and tributes immediately began pouring in from fans, fellow actors, and entertainment industry professionals who remembered her not only for her incredible talent but also for her kindness, spirituality, and advocacy work.
Sally Kirkland’s Oscar-Nominated Performance in ‘Anna’
Sally Kirkland’s most celebrated role came in 1987 with the independent film “Anna,” where she portrayed a fading Czech movie star attempting to rebuild her career in the United States while mentoring a younger actress played by supermodel Paulina Porizkova. The role earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
Los Angeles Times film critic Sheila Benson wrote at the time: “Kirkland is one of those performers whose talent has been an open secret to her fellow actors but something of a mystery to the general public. There should be no confusion about her identity after this blazing comet of a performance.”
For her performance in “Anna,” Kirkland won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, the Independent Spirit Award, and the LA Film Critics Circle Award. She also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, competing against Hollywood heavyweights including Cher (“Moonstruck”), Glenn Close (“Fatal Attraction”), Holly Hunter (“Broadcast News”), and Meryl Streep (“Ironweed”). Though she didn’t win the Oscar, the nomination represented the pinnacle of her career.
Kirkland ran a grassroots campaign for the Oscar nomination that was ahead of its time. Long before social media, she wrote letters to L.A. Film Critics members and even called in a favor with Andy Warhol, who had a talk show at the time. After running into critic Rex Reed in a Cannes Film Festival elevator, she secured the memorable quote: “Sally Kirkland devours ‘Anna’ like a raw steak and emerges a major star.”
Reflecting on her Oscar experience in a 2012 interview with the Huffington Post, Kirkland said: “At the Oscars, there were all these movie stars emerging from their limos, and then there was me. I felt like Cinderella. The greatest part was the feeling to be in the same Oscar category of these women that I was a huge fan of — Meryl, Glenn, Holly Hunter and Cher, who I used to rollerskate with in the ’70s.”
Beyond Acting: Sally Kirkland’s Spiritual Life and Advocacy
Sally Kirkland was far more than just an accomplished actress. She was a certified yoga teacher who taught celebrities including Robert De Niro, Elia Kazan, Robert Redford, and Bob Dylan. She began practicing yoga in the 1960s and continued throughout her life, eventually becoming a spiritual mentor to many.
Kirkland was an ordained minister in the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), whose followers believe in soul transcendence. She was also a member of several New Age groups and taught Insight Transformational Seminars. In a 2002 Los Angeles Times interview, she described “the dichotomy of spirituality and glamour” as the twin themes of her life.
Her humanitarian work was extensive. Kirkland volunteered for people with AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. She fed homeless people through the American Red Cross, participated in telethons for hospices, and was a passionate advocate for prisoners, especially young people. She was also an exhibited painter and poet, demonstrating her artistic talents extended far beyond the screen.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Sally Kirkland’s filmography includes over 300 projects, with notable roles in:
- “The Sting” (1973)
- “The Way We Were” (1973)
- “A Star Is Born” (1976)
- “Private Benjamin” (1980)
- “Anna” (1987)
- “JFK” (1991)
- “The Haunted” (1991)
- “Cold Feet” (1989)
- “Revenge” (1990)
- “EDtv” (1999)
- “Bruce Almighty” (2003)
- “80 for Brady” (2023)
- “Sallywood” (2024)
- “Kallie” (2025)
Even in her final years, Kirkland remained professionally active. Her last completed project was the 2024 indie film “Sallywood,” where she starred as herself in a semi-autobiographical story about a writer hired as her personal assistant. The film was written and directed by Xaque Gruber, who based it on his own experiences working with the legendary actress.
According to her IMDb page, Kirkland had five projects in post-production at the time of her death, demonstrating her enduring passion for her craft even as her health declined.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sally Kirkland was married twice during her lifetime. In 1975, she married musician Michael Jarrett, and in 1985, she married jazz producer Mark Hebert. Both marriages lasted less than three years. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Kirkland explained the challenges of her romantic relationships: “It’s hard to find a man who can handle my intensity.”
She never had children but was survived by her godson and filmmaker Coty Galloway (Bailey), three cousins (Brookie, Katherine, and Tina Kirkland), and several close friends including Paige Dylan, Mel England, Leigh Taylor Young, Xaque Gruber, and Maggie Wagner. Her manager Valerie McCaffery and agent Michael Greene were with her until the end.
Remembering Sally Kirkland’s Impact
Sally Kirkland’s death marks the end of an era in Hollywood. She was a trailblazer who fearlessly pursued her artistic vision, whether that meant appearing nude on stage in the name of art, championing independent films, or using her platform for humanitarian causes. Her Oscar-nominated performance in “Anna” showcased her exceptional talent and remains a testament to her skill as an actress.
In a statement following her death, Kirkland’s representatives said: “Anyone who knew Sally’s work as an actress understands that she was a master of her craft in large part because of her profound and genuine compassion for all people.”
Her journey from a young model in New York City to an Oscar-nominated actress and spiritual teacher inspired many. Despite facing financial hardship and health challenges in her final years, Kirkland maintained her dignity and continued working on her craft. The outpouring of support through the GoFundMe campaign demonstrated how deeply she touched the lives of those who knew her and worked with her throughout her remarkable career.
Sally Kirkland’s legacy will live on through her extensive body of work, her contributions to the arts, and the countless lives she touched through her humanitarian efforts and spiritual teachings. She will be deeply missed by the entertainment community and fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sally Kirkland pass away?
Yes, Sally Kirkland passed away on November 11, 2025, at 1:50 AM PST. The 84-year-old actress died in hospice care at a facility in Palm Springs, California. Her death was confirmed by her representative, Michael Greene, to multiple news outlets. Kirkland had been placed in hospice over the weekend after struggling with dementia, bone fractures, and life-threatening infections in her final months.
What happened to Sally Kirkland?
Sally Kirkland experienced a series of severe health complications in her final year. In October 2024, she suffered a fall in her shower that resulted in fractures to four bones in her neck, her right wrist, and her left hip. While recovering from these injuries, she developed two life-threatening infections—including a bone infection that spread to her bloodstream. She had also been diagnosed with dementia over a year before her death. These combined health issues required hospitalization, rehabilitation, and eventually 24/7 specialized care. Unable to afford the mounting medical expenses, her friends created a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $60,000. Despite these efforts, her health continued to decline, and she was placed in hospice care in early November 2025, where she passed away peacefully.
Who was Sally Kirkland?
Sally Kirkland was a highly respected American actress whose career spanned six decades and over 300 film and television projects. Born on October 31, 1941, in New York City, she was named after her mother, who was a fashion editor at Vogue and LIFE magazine. Kirkland began as a child model before training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and studying under legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg. She made her Off-Broadway debut in 1963 and became part of Andy Warhol’s The Factory scene in the 1960s.
Kirkland earned a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her starring role in the 1987 independent film “Anna,” where she played a fading Czech movie star. She also appeared in notable films including “The Sting,” “The Way We Were,” “JFK,” and “Bruce Almighty,” as well as television shows like “Roseanne,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Valley of the Dolls.”
Beyond acting, Kirkland was a certified yoga teacher who taught celebrities like Robert De Niro and Bob Dylan, an ordained minister, a humanitarian who volunteered for AIDS and cancer patients, and an advocate for prisoners and homeless people. She was known for her fearless approach to acting and her deep spirituality.
Sally Kirkland Died, Golden Globe Winner Dead at 84
Sally Kirkland’s Entire Journey to death Video.
Did Sally Kirkland have children?
No, Sally Kirkland did not have children. She was married twice—to musician Michael Jarrett in 1975 and jazz producer Mark Hebert in 1985—but both marriages ended after less than three years, and she never had biological or adopted children. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, she explained: “It’s hard to find a man who can handle my intensity.”
However, Kirkland maintained close relationships with her godson, Coty Galloway (Bailey), who is a filmmaker, and several close friends who became like family to her. She is survived by her godson, three cousins (Brookie, Katherine, and Tina Kirkland), and close friends including Paige Dylan, Mel England, Leigh Taylor Young, Xaque Gruber, and Maggie Wagner. Her friends played a crucial role in supporting her during her final months, establishing the GoFundMe campaign to help with her medical expenses and staying by her side until her passing.
