Golden Globe-winning actress Sally Kirkland has passed away at the age of 84, her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She died at 1:50 a.m. PST in Palm Springs, California, after entering hospice care over the weekend.
Kirkland had been suffering from dementia for the past year and endured a severe fall in the shower, injuring her ribs and foot. During this period, she also fractured four bones in her neck, right wrist, and left hip, as detailed on a GoFundMe page set up to assist with her medical expenses.
Her godson, Coty Galloway, was with her during her final days. Greene informed TMZ that Kirkland “will be deeply missed” by her acquaintances and the entertainment industry, where she served for over 60 years.
The actress gained significant recognition for her role in the 1987 independent film “Anna,” portraying a Czech actress mentoring a younger performer. This role earned Kirkland a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, establishing her among Hollywood’s esteemed performers.
Born in New York City in 1941, she started her career in avant-garde theater and was part of Andy Warhol’s Factory in the 1960s. Kirkland appeared in over 200 to 250 film and television productions, showcasing her versatility and longevity in a challenging industry.
Her notable film appearances included roles in “JFK” and “Bruce Almighty,” illustrating her capability to perform across various genres and with major Hollywood figures. Kirkland was known as a dedicated artist willing to take risks in her work.
The GoFundMe page created in November 2024 aimed to address Kirkland’s health crisis. Besides the fall that injured her ribs and foot, the page disclosed she developed two separate life-threatening infections requiring extensive hospital stays and rehabilitation beyond insurance coverage.
A November 7 update on the GoFundMe page informed supporters that Kirkland had entered hospice care and was resting comfortably, requesting well-wishers to “hold and send the light for Sally” during her final days.
An earlier October 2 update described the preceding months as challenging for the actress as her health continued to decline. The organizers noted that the fall occurred when Kirkland was left unattended in the shower, resulting in cuts and bruises in addition to the more serious injuries to her ribs and foot.
Following the incident, Kirkland received round-the-clock care in a specialized facility that provided safety and medical attention. The organizers expressed gratitude for the quality of care she received while continuing efforts to raise funds to bridge the gap between her income and mounting care costs.
Kirkland’s Oscar campaign for “Anna” became legendary in Hollywood circles. Working without the backing of a major studio, she mounted a grassroots effort that included personal outreach to Academy voters and leveraged her connections in the entertainment community to generate support for her performance.
The actress competed against formidable talent in her Oscar category, including Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Holly Hunter and eventual winner Cher. Despite not winning the Academy Award, Kirkland’s Golden Globe victory and Independent Spirit Award recognized her exceptional work in the independent film.
Kirkland’s career spanned multiple decades and demonstrated her versatility as a performer. From her early work in experimental theater and art films to mainstream Hollywood productions, she remained committed to her craft and continued working well into the 21st century.
The actress leaves behind her godson Coty Galloway, close friends and three cousins. Her contributions to independent cinema and willingness to champion her own work without major studio support inspired other performers navigating similar career paths in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
