Today, we mourn the loss of a true Hollywood icon — Sally Kirkland, a powerhouse of talent and emotion whose incredible career spanned more than six decades.

The Golden Globe-winning actress and Days of Our Lives alum has passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in the world of entertainment.

After a courageous battle with health complications, Sally passed peacefully under hospice care, surrounded by love and light. The entertainment industry and fans worldwide

are reeling from the news. With over 250 film and television credits, Kirkland’s legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of American cinema, stage, and daytime television. Her unique blend of passion, vulnerability, and artistic fearlessness made her a defining figure in Hollywood’s golden era and beyond.

A Trailblazing Career in the Arts

Sally Kirkland’s artistic journey began in the creative heart of 1960s New York City. Trained at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she burst onto the Off-Broadway scene with her 1963 debut in Bicycle Ride to Nevada. But it was her association with Andy Warhol’s Factory in 1964 that cemented her as a daring and avant-garde performer. Appearing in Warhol’s experimental film The 13 Most Beautiful Women, Sally quickly became a muse for New York’s underground art movement.

Her willingness to push boundaries was unmatched. In 1968, Kirkland made history by becoming the first American actress to appear fully nude on stage in Terrence McNally’s Sweet Eros, a moment that both shocked and inspired audiences. From that point forward, Sally’s name became synonymous with courage, artistry, and authenticity.

Golden Glory: ‘Anna’ and Hollywood Recognition

Sally’s defining moment came in 1987 with her breathtaking role in Anna, a deeply emotional independent drama. She portrayed a once-famous Czech actress mentoring a young immigrant struggling to find her place in the New York entertainment world — a performance layered with heartbreak, resilience, and truth.

Her portrayal earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama, as well as an Oscar nomination, an Independent Spirit Award, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Award. Critics hailed her as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, with The Washington Post praising her performance as “utterly superb,” and The Los Angeles Times calling her “fearlessly authentic.”

Through Anna, Kirkland not only captured the pain of fading stardom but also reminded audiences of the eternal spirit of survival and mentorship — themes that would mirror her own life’s philosophy.

A Beloved Presence on Television

While her film accolades were extraordinary, Sally Kirkland’s charm and magnetism also lit up television screens across America. In 1999, she joined Days of Our Lives as Tracy Simpson, a strong yet compassionate woman who quickly became a fan favorite. Her time on the iconic NBC soap opera showcased her versatility, seamlessly blending classic Hollywood elegance with the emotional depth that daytime audiences adore.

Beyond Days of Our Lives, Sally made memorable appearances in beloved shows such as Charlie’s Angels, Roseanne, Murder, She Wrote, Criminal Minds, Three’s Company, Falcon Crest, and Felicity. Each role — no matter how brief — carried her trademark intensity and grace.

In 1994, she starred in the television adaptation of Valley of the Dolls, proving once again that she could command both big and small screens with effortless charisma.

From Blockbusters to Independent Gems

Throughout the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, Sally Kirkland’s filmography reflected her astonishing range. She appeared in timeless classics like The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973), and A Star Is Born (1976), sharing the screen with Hollywood royalty. Her comedic flair shone in Private Benjamin (1980), while her dramatic side captivated audiences in JFK (1991) and Best of the Best (1989).

Even in her later years, Sally remained unstoppable. She brought her wit and warmth to the 2003 comedy Bruce Almighty alongside Jim Carrey, and most recently, she charmed audiences in 80 for Brady (2023), proving that her passion for acting never faded — even in her eighties.

Accolades and Artistic Devotion

In addition to her Golden Globe win, Sally earned a Golden Globe nomination for her haunting performance in the 1991 television film The Haunted, a supernatural thriller based on a true story. Her ability to embody vulnerability and strength in equal measure made her one of the most compelling actresses of her time.

Kirkland’s commitment to independent cinema and emerging filmmakers never wavered. She often spoke about her love for raw, meaningful storytelling and her belief that acting was not about fame — but truth.

Final Days and a Life Remembered

According to confirmed reports, Sally Kirkland passed away peacefully in Palm Springs, California, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She had been battling dementia and entered hospice care just a week before her death. A heartfelt message shared by her loved ones read:

“Thank you for all your love and support. Sally is grateful for your kindness and love. Sally is on hospice now and is resting comfortably. Please hold and send the light for Sally.”

Born on October 31, 1941, in New York City, Sally came from a creative family — her mother, Sally Kirkland Sr., was a renowned fashion editor for Life and Vogue. Surrounded by art and culture from an early age, it was only natural that she would forge her own indelible path in entertainment.

She is survived by her godson, filmmaker Cody Galloway, and cousins Tina, Brooke, and Katherine Kirkland, who now carry forward her legacy of creativity, compassion, and fearless self-expression.

A Legacy That Transcends Generations

Sally Kirkland was not only an actress but a mentor, teacher, and champion of authenticity. Her students and peers often described her as a guiding light — one who believed that art could heal, provoke, and connect. Over 250 roles later, her body of work stands as a monument to artistic courage and emotional honesty.

From the experimental energy of Andy Warhol’s Factory to the heartfelt drama of Days of Our Lives, Sally Kirkland never stopped evolving. She lived and breathed her craft with a passion that transcended fame or recognition.

Today, the entertainment industry says goodbye to one of its most fearless performers. But Sally’s spirit — bold, raw, and full of heart — will live on in every scene she graced and every soul she touched.

As the world remembers her, one thing is certain: Sally Kirkland didn’t just act — she transformed everything she touched into art.

Rest in peace, Sally Kirkland. Your light will continue to shine on screens and in hearts for generations to come.