Sally Kirkland: A Life of Challenges and Triumphs
Sally Kirkland, the renowned actress, is now receiving hospice care at the age of 84. She has been battling serious health issues for the past year. Her representative, Michael Greene, revealed that she is currently in a Palm Springs hospital, fighting dementia. A GoFundMe page set up for her discloses that she has endured two severe infections following multiple bone fractures. Despite these hardships, she is now resting comfortably in hospice care.
A Legendary Acting Career
Kirkland's acting journey commenced in the 1960s. Her debut role was in the 1960 film "Crack In The Mirror." Over the decades, she appeared in numerous classic TV shows, including:
- "Hawaii Five-O"
- "Three's Company"
- "Charlie's Angels"
Her breakthrough came when she starred in the 1987 drama "Anna," which earned her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win. She also delivered memorable performances in "Bruce Almighty" and "JFK."
In recent years, Kirkland joined the star-studded cast of "80 For Brady" (2022), alongside Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin. She also worked with Hollywood legends Paul Newman and Robert Redford in "The Sting" (1973). Her influence extends beyond acting; a 2024 film titled "Sallywood" follows an aspiring writer inspired by Kirkland.
From Modeling to Stardom
Before her acting career, Kirkland was a model. Her mother, a fashion editor at Vogue, introduced her to the modeling world. Despite her shyness, she became a socialite model, photographed by Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. Her life took a pivotal turn when she met Shelley Winters, who became her mentor. Winters, who had lived with Marilyn Monroe, gifted Kirkland Monroe's iconic shoes, which she wore everywhere.
A Life of Resilience
Kirkland's life has been marked by challenges and triumphs. From her early days as a shy model to her illustrious acting career, she has consistently overcome obstacles. Her current health struggles are another challenge, but her spirit remains unbroken. As her representative Greene stated, she will not leave until he is holding her hand, reflecting the deep bonds she has formed with those around her.