Oscar-Nominee Piper Laurie of 'Carrie' & 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 91



by NOUMAN RASOOL

Oscar-Nominee Piper Laurie of 'Carrie' & 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 91
Oscar-Nominee Piper Laurie of 'Carrie' & 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 91 © Keystone/Hulton Archive/GettyImages

Piper Laurie, the iconic actress who transfixed audiences with her commanding roles, has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by her manager, Marion Rosenberg. The news came as a deep loss to Hollywood, as Laurie's talent transcended generations.

Born in Detroit and coming of age in Los Angeles, Laurie's breakthrough roles spanned multiple genres and decades. Most notably, she gave a haunting performance as the deeply religious mother in the horror classic "Carrie." Her role opposite Paul Newman in "The Hustler" showcased her depth, playing a character wrestling with despair.

The passing occurred early Saturday in the heart of Los Angeles, although the specific cause remains undisclosed.

Rosenberg Honors Laurie's Legacy

Marion Rosenberg, in paying tribute to the legendary actress, emphasized that Laurie was not only “one of the finest actresses of her generation” but also an exceptionally kind human being.

Her legacy, both professionally and personally, remains ineradicable. Turner Classic Movies (TCM), a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Discovery like CNN, heaped praise on Laurie, characterizing her as “one of the most celebrated and formidable actresses of the last half-century”.

Their sentiment reflects the breadth and depth of her career. TCM highlighted her ability to deliver "full-blooded performances," especially portraying strong-willed women with intricate layers. Recognition for Laurie's unparalleled talent wasn’t confined within the industry.

Critics and her contemporaries celebrated her prowess. Her roles in both "The Hustler" and "Carrie" earned her Academy Award nominations, showcasing her versatility. Furthermore, she clinched another Oscar nomination for her role as a repentant mother in the moving "Children of a Lesser God." Additionally, her work in the enigmatic series "Twin Peaks" wasn't just beloved by fans; it won her a prestigious Golden Globe Award.

As the world reminisces about Piper Laurie's immense contribution to cinema, her roles serve as an indelible reminder of a talent that was truly unparalleled. Her on-screen presence will forever be a beacon of what it means to deeply inhabit a character.