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Piper Laurie was an American actress best known for her work in the miniseries The Thorn Birds (1983) and the movies The Hustler (1961), Carrie (1976), Children of a Lesser God (1986), and The Hustler (1961).

She is also well known for her roles as Catherine Martell in the television series Twin Peaks and Kirsten Arnesen in the original TV production of Days of Wine and Roses.

Piper Laurie’s Bio, Age

Piper Laurie was born on January 22, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan as Rosetta Jacobs.

Educational Background

Piper Laurie studied at the Hebrew School in Los Angeles and took speech lessons to boost her self-confidence.

Career

Laurie’s early career began in the 1950s when she signed a contract with Universal Studios. She played Catherine Sloper in the 1950 movie adaptation of Henry James’ book “The Heiress,” which led to her being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. This was her first significant role. Despite her early success, Laurie’s contract with Universal resulted in a lack of roles and the impression that the production company was not making the most of her abilities.

In the late 1950s, Laurie temporarily stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life. She returned to the screen in the 1960s and took on roles in various films, including “The Hustler” (1961), opposite Paul Newman, which earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Laurie’s performances in these early roles showed her range and talent, firmly establishing her as a respected actress.

During the 1970s, Laurie moved into television, earning praise for her role as Margaret White in the 1976 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Carrie.” Her portrayal of the dominating and abusive mother won her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This was a turning point in her career, as she became known for her ability to portray complex and troubled characters.

For the next several decades, Laurie continued to work in both film and television. Her diverse roles included the horror film “The Fog” (1980), David Lynch’s mystery series “Twin Peaks” (1990-1991), and the family drama “The Thorn Birds” (1983). Her appearances in various projects established her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.

Laurie returned to the stage in the 2000s and received positive reviews for her theatrical performances. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in “The Destiny of Me” (1992), and she has appeared in several stage productions.

Piper Laurie has received numerous honors throughout her long and powerful career, including three Academy Award nominations, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. Her ability to play a wide range of characters, from sympathetic to cruel, has earned her a place in the entertainment industry.

How old is Piper Laurie?

On October 14, 2023, Laurie passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 91 after an extended period of illness.

Who is Piper Laurie dating?

Laurie was married to movie critic Joe Morgenstern.

What is Piper Laurie’s Net Worth?

Piper Laurie has an estimated Net Worth of $5 Million.