Acclaimed actress Piper Laurie, renowned for her roles in iconic films like “Carrie” and “The Hustler,” passed away on Saturday morning in Los Angeles. At 91, she had been battling health issues for some time.
Her representative confirmed the sad news of her passing.
With three Academy Award nominations and an impressive nine Emmy nods, Laurie’s contribution to cinema and television is unparalleled. Her exceptional performance in the live TV drama “The Days of Wine and Roses” is particularly noteworthy.
Audiences fondly remember her for her remarkable portrayal in the TV series “Twin Peaks,” which brought her Emmy nominations in both 1990 and 1991.
Many also recall her spine-chilling role as the deeply religious mother of Sissy Spacek’s character in Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” (1976) and as Marlee Matlin’s on-screen mother in “Children of a Lesser God” (1986). Her talent continued to shine in recent years, with her appearance in the 2018 film “White Boy Rick.”
Born on January 22, 1932, as Rosetta Jacobs, Piper was the younger of two daughters. At the tender age of 6, her family relocated to Los Angeles. During this period, she and her sister spent three years in a children’s asylum, primarily due to her sister’s health concerns.
Piper’s tryst with Hollywood began when she won a talent contest at 9, earning a screen test opportunity at Warner Bros. Although this didn’t lead to a role, her potential was soon recognized by Universal Studios. In 1949, while she was still attending Los Angeles High School, she secured a film contract. It was at this juncture that her manager introduced her to the world as Piper Laurie. She made her cinematic debut with “Louisa” (1950), portraying Ronald Reagan’s on-screen daughter.
Over the years, her filmography expanded to include titles like “Francis Goes to the Races” (1951), “Has Anybody Seen My Gal” (1952), “No Room for the Groom” (1952), “The Mississippi Gambler” (1953), and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (1955).
After this flurry of films, Piper made a significant decision to move to New York, diving into the world of television. It would be 15 years before she returned to film. Meanwhile, she graced the Broadway stage, notably in “The Glass Menagerie.”
Piper Laurie leaves behind her daughter, Anna. As of now, there are no details regarding memorial plans. Her legacy as a stalwart of Hollywood will continue to inspire generations to come.