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Sally Kirkland, the Golden Globe–winning actress whose fearless performances stretched across more than six decades of film, television, and theater, has died at the age of 84. Her passing closes the chapter on a life defined by artistic bravery, relentless creativity, and an unshakable devotion to the craft of acting.
News of her death emerged after it was confirmed that she passed away in Palm Springs, California, only days after entering hospice care. In the year leading up to her death, Kirkland had been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that significantly affected her health and independence. Her final months were marked by a series of serious medical challenges that underscored both her vulnerability and the profound support she received from those closest to her.
Kirkland’s path into the arts was shaped early by rigorous training and a hunger for depth. She studied at the Actors Studio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, immersing herself in method acting and classical technique. These formative years forged her uncompromising approach to performance—one that valued emotional truth over comfort and risk over convention.
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