Piper Laurie, Iconic Actress of “The Hustler” and “Carrie,” Passes Away at 91
Piper Laurie, the three-time Oscar nominee and acclaimed actress whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 91. The news was confirmed by her ex-husband, critic Joe Morganstern.
Born Rosetta Jacobs in Detroit, Michigan in 1932, Laurie started her acting journey by moving to Hollywood and signing with Universal Pictures in 1949. She quickly gained early success in films like “Louisa” alongside Ronald Reagan. However, she later decided to hone her craft on stage in New York before returning to Hollywood for her breakthrough role in “The Hustler” in 1961. Laurie’s portrayal of Sarah Packard earned her first Oscar nomination and established her as a dramatic actress.
Throughout her career, Laurie continued to work steadily in both film and television. One of her most iconic roles came in Brian De Palma’s “Carrie,” where she played the memorable character of Margaret White, a hyper-religious mother. This role earned her another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and secured her a prominent place in horror movie history. Her third and final Oscar nomination came in 1987 for her supporting performance in Randa Haines’ “Children of a Lesser God.”
For television fans, Laurie will always be remembered for her role as Catherine Martell in the cult TV series “Twin Peaks.” Portraying the scheming sawmill executive who teamed up with Benjamin Horne, Laurie won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film. She also received Emmy nominations for each of the show’s two seasons on ABC.
Laurie is survived by her daughter, Anna Grace Morgenstern. Her impressive body of work and undeniable talent will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Reporting by Anne Thompson.