Piper Laurie, two-time Oscar nominee from 'Carrie' & 'The Hustler,' passes away at 91

Oscar-nominated actor Piper Laurie dies at 91. She starred in acclaimed roles and took a break from acting for a "more meaningful" life.

Piper Laurie, the talented and determined actor, known for her Oscar-nominated performances, passed away at the age of 91 in her Los Angeles home. Her manager, Marion Rosenberg, described her as a superb talent and a wonderful human being. Laurie began her career in Hollywood in 1949, under the name Rosetta Jacobs. She quickly rose to fame and starred alongside renowned actors such as Ronald Reagan, Rock Hudson, and Tony Curtis. Throughout her career, she received Academy Award nominations for her roles in "The Hustler" (1961), "Carrie" (1976), and "Children of a Lesser God" (1986). She also made notable appearances on television and the stage, including her portrayal of the villainous Catherine Martell in David Lynch's "Twin Peaks."

Despite her initial success, Laurie grew disillusioned with the film industry and decided to leave acting in 1955. She moved to New York, where she found fulfillment in theater and live television drama. Her performances in "Days of Wine and Roses," "The Deaf Heart," and "The Road That Led After" earned her Emmy nominations and paved the way for her return to films. Notably, she played Paul Newman's troubled girlfriend in "The Hustler." However, Laurie chose to step away from acting once again. She married film critic Joseph Morgenstern, had a daughter named Ann Grace, and settled in a farmhouse in Woodstock, New York. The civil rights movement and the Vietnam War influenced her decision to prioritize a more meaningful existence. She never regretted her choice and found fulfillment in painting and baking, with her recipes even appearing in The New York Times.

During this time, Laurie only performed when she joined a tour to support Senator George McGovern's presidential bid in 1972. It wasn't until director Brian De Palma approached her to play the deranged mother in "Carrie" that she was ready to return to acting. Initially skeptical of the script, Laurie eventually embraced the role and delivered a captivating performance. "Carrie" became a huge success, kickstarting a trend of movies about teenagers in jeopardy. Both Laurie and her co-star Sissy Spacek received Academy Award nominations for their roles.

With her passion for acting reignited, Laurie resumed her busy career, spanning decades. She appeared in popular television series such as "Matlock," "Murder, She Wrote," "Frasier," and portrayed George Clooney's mother on "ER." Throughout her life, Piper Laurie left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and will be remembered as a talented and resilient actor.

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