Sally Kirkland, the Oscar-nominated actress best known for her performance in the 1987 film Anna, has died at 84 after entering hospice care following a dementia diagnosis.
Her rep, Michael Greene, confirmed to TMZ on Tuesday, November 11, that she passed away earlier that morning — just two days after news broke that she had been moved to hospice in Palm Springs.
A GoFundMe created for the actress earlier this year revealed that Kirkland had suffered “two separate life-threatening infections” while recovering from multiple fractures.
“Sally has been more than just a friend,” read a message on the fundraiser page. “She has been a maternal figure, offering encouragement, wisdom and love when it was needed most.”
The heartfelt note reflected on her lifelong compassion and independence, adding, “And while she has meant so much to so many around her, she has never had the luxury of a life partner or children to lean on in difficult times. She has always prioritized being there for others, given everything she has to her craft, her church, her friends and her community.”
The fundraiser also described her medical struggles, noting, “This past year Sally fractured her four bones in her neck, right wrist and her left hip… The combination of these injuries and infections have required extensive hospitalizations and rehab beyond the 100 days insurance will cover.”
A final update shared days before her death read, “Sally is in hospice now and is resting comfortably. Please hold and send the light for Sally.”
Kirkland appeared in more than 200 films, including JFK, Charlie’s Angels, and Bruce Almighty. Her 1987 performance in Anna earned her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win,
Reflecting on her long career, she told the Malibu Timesin 2006, “I’m fortunate. I’ve done lots of films and nearly one thousand hours of television. I’ve had a lot of dreams come true.”