Piper Laurie, Three-Time Oscar Nominee, Dies at 91
Legendary actress Piper Laurie, known for her remarkable performances and three Oscar nominations, has passed away at the age of 91. Her manager Marion Rosenberg confirmed the news, describing her as a “beautiful human being and one of the great talents of our time.”
Laurie’s first Oscar nomination came for her role alongside Paul Newman in the 1961 classic “The Hustler.” She portrayed an alcoholic character who famously tells Newman’s character, “Maybe it’d be better if we just leave each other alone.” After taking a break from acting to raise a family, Laurie made a comeback in the mid-1970s and delivered exceptional performances in films like “Carrie” and “Children of a Lesser God.” In “Carrie,” she played a chilling role as the mother of the shy telekinetic girl, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of a character with twisted beliefs.
Laurie’s talents extended beyond the big screen, as she also found success on television. Her role as Catherine Martell in David Lynch’s groundbreaking series “Twin Peaks” garnered her two Emmy nominations out of a total of nine throughout her career. She won her only Emmy for her performance in the 1986 television movie “Promises.” Laurie continued to impress with her work, including a guest role on the sitcom “Frasier” in 1999, which earned her another Emmy nomination.
Born Rosetta Jacobs in Detroit in 1932, Laurie began her career as a contract actress for Universal at the age of 17. She made her film debut in the 1950 movie “Louisa” and went on to star in various films, including the Francis the talking mule series. Although she initially disliked her early roles, Laurie acknowledged that they played a crucial role in developing her skills and moving on to more fulfilling projects.
After divorcing writer Joseph Morgenstern in 1981, Laurie focused on her family life. However, she eventually returned to acting and appeared in productions like the Broadway revival of “The Glass Menagerie” and television movies such as “The Thorn Birds” and “Rainbow.” Her last film appearances included “Hesher” and “The Dead Girl,” where she impressed audiences with her memorable performances.
Piper Laurie leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry and is survived by her daughter Anne Grace. Her contributions to film and television will continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and colleagues alike.