Sally Kirkland, Oscar-nominated star of ‘Anna’ and Golden Globe winner, dies at 84 after fall and dementia battle.
Golden Globe-winning actress Sally Kirkland, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in the 1987 indie film Anna, has died at the age of 84.
Her rep, Michael Greene, confirmed to Variety that the actress passed away early Tuesday morning in Palm Springs, California.
According to her GoFundMe page, Kirkland had been in hospice care after suffering a fall in the shower in October, which left her with broken ribs and a foot injury. She had also been battling a bone infection that spread to her bloodstream and had been diagnosed with dementia.
Kirkland’s Hollywood journey was as bold and fearless as she was. A veteran of both film and TV, she lit up screens in projects like Roseanne, Felicity, Days of Our Lives, and Valley of the Dolls.
But it was her breakthrough in Anna that made her a household name among indie film lovers — and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, alongside icons Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, and Cher.
Her portrayal of a struggling Czech actress mentoring a young newcomer (played by Paulina Porizkova) won her a Golden Globe and L.A. Film Critics Award, marking a stunning triumph for a low-budget indie and a self-made campaigner.
Long before the days of viral campaigns or social media, Kirkland personally wrote to critics, called in favors, and even enlisted her friend Andy Warhol for help promoting the film. Her tenacity paid off — Anna became one of the most inspiring underdog stories in Oscar history.
Reflecting on that moment years later, Kirkland told The Huffington Post, “At the Oscars, there were all these movie stars emerging from their limos, and then there was me. I felt like Cinderella.”
Born in New York City, Kirkland trained with Lee Strasberg and began her career in off-Broadway theater before joining Warhol’s Factory.
Her film debut came in Warhol’s The 13 Most Beautiful Women (1964). She later appeared in classics like The Way We Were, A Star Is Born, The Sting, and Cinderella Liberty, proving her range across genres.
Her career continued for decades with appearances in JFK, Bruce Almighty, Hope for the Holidays, and more. In 2024, she starred as herself in the indie film Sallywood, a semi-autobiographical dramedy written and directed by Xaque Gruber, one of her closest friends.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in from fans and friends across social media.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Devastated to hear of Sally Kirkland’s passing. She was an indelible character actor and red carpet icon who was never anything short of memorable. Her awards season campaign for ANNA… will always be the greatest.”
Another tribute read, “RIP Sally Kirkland, thank you for your contribution to one of the most iconic moments in Oscar history.”
Singer and actress Simonna, who worked alongside Kirkland, also shared a heartfelt message, writing, “I’m very sad to hear those news about my beloved costar, real legend, Sally Kirkland. Sending ton of prayers & love💖🥹🙏.”
I’m very sad to hear those news about my beloved costar, real legend, Sally Kirkland. Sending ton of prayers & love💖🥹🙏 https://t.co/QmdcPgvgm3 pic.twitter.com/BtPXyne78s
— Simonna (@Simonna) November 9, 2025
Kirkland’s vibrant personality, courage, and passion made her a fixture of Hollywood’s artistic community for over 60 years.
She is survived by her godson Coty Galloway, close friends Paige Dylan, Mel England, Leigh Taylor-Young, Xaque Gruber, and Maggie Wagner, as well as her manager Valerie McCaffery, agent Michael Greene, and cousins Brookie, Katherine, and Tina Kirkland.
What’s your favorite Sally Kirkland performance? Share your memories in the comments below.
