Sally Kirkland Enters Hospice Amid Health Struggles

Hollywood icon Sally Kirkland is currently in hospice care following a challenging year marked by significant health issues.

The 84-year-old actress has been battling dementia and has faced multiple serious medical challenges.

Her representative, Michael Greene, confirmed to the Daily Mail that Kirkland is now in a hospice located in Palm Springs.

Health Complications

A GoFundMe campaign established for Kirkland highlights her recent health struggles, revealing that she suffered from two life-threatening infections after fracturing several bones over the past year.

Currently, she is said to be resting comfortably in the hospice.

Greene shared that he is traveling from JFK Airport to be by her side, expressing his commitment to remain with her during this difficult time.

Cody Galloway, a close friend and former student of Kirkland, is also present with her.

Injuries and Infections

The GoFundMe page details the extent of Kirkland’s injuries, stating that she fractured four bones, including those in her neck, wrist, and hip.

While she was recovering from these fractures, she developed two separate life-threatening infections.

The combination of her injuries and infections has required extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation, exceeding the 100 days that her insurance will cover.

A Celebrated Career

Sally Kirkland is renowned for her illustrious acting career, which spans several decades.

She is best known for her roles in classic films such as The Sting and Anna.

Her performance in Anna earned her an Academy Award nomination as well as a Golden Globe win, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Kirkland’s acting journey began in the 1960s, with her first credited role in the film Crack In The Mirror.

Throughout her career, she made appearances in numerous iconic television shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Three’s Company, and Charlie’s Angels.

Comeback and Notable Roles

Kirkland experienced a career resurgence in the late 1980s when she co-starred with model Paulina Porizkova in the drama Anna.

This role not only brought her critical acclaim but also solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

Other notable performances include her role as Anita Mann in Bruce Almighty and a significant part in the film JFK, which starred Kevin Costner.

In recent years, she appeared in the short film Tom in America and was part of the ensemble cast in 80 For Brady, alongside stars like Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin.

Television Appearances

In addition to her film work, Kirkland has had a successful television career.

She starred in notable TV movies such as Heat Wave and Steel Magnolias and was a regular cast member on the series Felicity.

Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting.

Inspiration for Others

Kirkland’s influence extends beyond her performances.

A film titled Sallywood, released in 2024, follows an aspiring writer and Kirkland fan who seeks to revive her career after a chance encounter with the actress.

This narrative showcases Kirkland’s lasting impact on aspiring artists and her role as a source of inspiration.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Before her acting career took off, Kirkland started as a model.

She shared that her mother was the assistant editor of Vogue and later became the fashion editor.

Kirkland’s mother was influential in the fashion world, being one of the first to feature multiple models on a single page in the magazine.

Kirkland grew up in an environment filled with fashion and photography, having been photographed by renowned photographers like Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.

Meeting Her Idol

Kirkland’s journey into acting was also shaped by her admiration for Marilyn Monroe.

At the age of 18, she met actress Shelley Winters, who became a mentor to her.

Winters had a close relationship with Monroe and gifted Kirkland some of Monroe’s iconic shoes, which she referred to as “F*** Me Shoes.”

Kirkland wore these shoes everywhere, symbolizing her connection to her idol.

Conclusion

Sally Kirkland’s current health struggles are a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many aging celebrities.

Her remarkable career, spanning over six decades, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Despite her health issues, Kirkland’s legacy continues to inspire many, both in Hollywood and beyond.

As she receives care in hospice, the support from her friends and fans reflects the profound impact she has had on those around her.

Kirkland’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the enduring influence of art in our lives.

Her journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the connections forged through shared experiences in the world of entertainment.

As she navigates this challenging chapter, her contributions to film and television will not be forgotten, and her spirit will continue to inspire future generations.

Sally Kirkland’s life and career exemplify the beauty and complexity of the human experience, showcasing the highs and lows that come with pursuing one’s passion in the arts.