Piper Laurie, the Oscar-nominated actress renowned for her roles in iconic films such as "Carrie" and "The Hustler," passed away on Saturday morning in Los Angeles. She was 91 and had been battling illness for some time. Her representative confirmed her death, marking the end of an era for a star who had graced the silver screen with her undeniable talent and charisma.
Born Rosetta Jacobs on January 22, 1932, Laurie's journey to stardom began when her family moved to Los Angeles when she was just six years old. A few years later, at the age of nine, she won a talent contest that led to a screen test at Warner Bros. Although this did not immediately result in a role, her persistence paid off when she secured another screen test at Universal Studios in 1949. While still a senior at Los Angeles High School, she earned a contract, and her manager rechristened her as Piper Laurie.
Laurie made her movie debut in "Louisa" (1950), where she played the role of Ronald Reagan's daughter. This was just the beginning of a series of roles in films such as "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).
However, it was her portrayal as the love interest of Paul Newman in Robert Rossen's "The Hustler" (1961) that earned her an Oscar nomination. She further solidified her place in Hollywood with her chilling performance as Sissy Spacek's ultra-religious mother in Brian De Palma's "Carrie" (1976) and as Marlee Matlin's mother in Randa Haines' "Children of a Lesser God" (1986).
Beyond her film career, Laurie was also recognized for her work on television, particularly for her role in the drama "Twin Peaks." Her performance in the series earned her Emmy nominations in 1990 and 1991. In 2018, she appeared in the film "White Boy Rick," showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft even in her later years.
Laurie's personal life was as rich and varied as her professional one. In her early years, she spent time in a children's asylum outside Los Angeles, accompanying her sister who was there for health reasons. As she transitioned to New York, she took a hiatus from films for 15 years but made her mark on Broadway, notably in "The Glass Menagerie."
Survivors include her daughter, Anna. As of now, no memorial plans have been announced. Piper Laurie's passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her memorable performances and the impact she made on audiences worldwide.
