Legendary 3-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie, known for her roles in ‘The Hustler’ and ‘Carrie,’ passes away at 91.

 

Legendary 3-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie, known for her roles in ‘The Hustler’ and ‘Carrie,’ passes away at 91.

• Legendary 3-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie passed away at 91.
• Throughout her career, Laurie starred alongside iconic actors such as Ronald Reagan and Rock Hudson.
• She earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in “The Hustler,” “Carrie,” and “Children of a Lesser God.”
• Having defied expectations with her performances, Laurie also made appearances in television series such as “Frasier” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
• After a brief break from acting to focus on family and other passions, Laurie returned for her memorable performance in the thriller “Carrie.”
• The actress had an illustrious Hollywood journey lasting several decades, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry.

Piper Laurie, the determined and talented actress who defied expectations in her acclaimed roles, died at 91. Despite briefly stepping away from acting, Laurie left an indelible mark on the industry with her performances.

According to her manager, Marion Rosenberg, Laurie died peacefully at her home in Los Angeles of natural causes. She was not only a superb talent but also a beloved human being.

Laurie’s Hollywood journey began in 1949 when she arrived as Rosetta Jacobs. She quickly caught the attention of Universal-International, earning starring roles alongside the likes of Ronald Reagan, Rock Hudson, and Tony Curtis.

Laurie received three Academy Award nominations throughout her career for her standout performances. She was recognized for her role in the 1961 drama “The Hustler,” the 1976 adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie,” and the 1986 romantic drama “Children of a Lesser God.” Laurie also made memorable appearances on television and the stage, including her villainous role in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.”

In the early stages of her career, Laurie made a bold move by walking out on her lucrative contract. She refused to work unless offered a meaningful role and found success in New York’s theater scene. However, her love for acting eventually pulled her back to the big screen, leading to her iconic role as Paul Newman’s girlfriend in “The Hustler.”

Afterward, Laurie took a break from acting to prioritize other aspects of her life. She married film critic Joseph Morgenstern, focused on raising their daughter, and pursued her passions for painting and baking. During this time, she supported the Civil Rights Movement and opposed the Vietnam War.

Laurie’s passion for acting reignited when she was offered the chance to play the disturbed mother in “Carrie.” Initially skeptical of the script, Laurie’s perception changed after realizing the film’s intention as a thrilling experience. “Carrie” became a box-office success, earning Laurie and her co-star Sissy Spacek Academy Award nominations.

With her love for acting reinvigorated, Laurie had a successful career spanning several decades. She appeared in hit television series such as “Matlock,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Frasier,” and portrayed George Clooney’s mother on “ER.”