Piper Laurie, Oscar-Nominated Actress from 'Carrie' and 'The Hustler,' Passes Away at 91

Piper Laurie, the determined and Oscar-nominated actress known for her outstanding performances, passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home at the age of 91. Her manager, Marion Rosenberg, confirmed her death, describing her as "a superb talent and a wonderful human being."

Laurie's journey in Hollywood began in 1949 when she arrived as Rosetta Jacobs. Almost immediately, she secured a contract with Universal-International, although she loathed her new stage name. Her talent shone through in starring roles alongside legends like Ronald Reagan, Rock Hudson, and Tony Curtis.

Throughout her career, Laurie received Academy Award nominations for three distinct films, including the 1961 poolroom drama 'The Hustler,' the 1976 film adaptation of Stephen King's horror classic 'Carrie,' and the 1986 romantic drama 'Children of a Lesser God.' Her talent wasn't confined to the big screen, as she also left an indelible mark on television and the stage. Notably, she portrayed the villainous Catherine Martell in David Lynch's iconic series 'Twin Peaks' during the 1990s.

Laurie's acting journey began at the age of 17 when she appeared in 'Louisa,' playing Reagan's daughter. She had a wide range of roles, from acting alongside Francis the talking mule in 'Francis Goes to the Races' to starring alongside Tony Curtis in films like 'The Prince Who Was a Thief,' 'No Room for the Groom,' 'Son of Ali Baba,' and 'Johnny Dark.' Interestingly, she once dated Curtis, which added a layer of complexity to their on-screen chemistry.

In 1955, Laurie grew disenchanted with her $2,000-a-week contract and decided to leave the Hollywood scene, vowing to return only if offered a meaningful role. She relocated to New York, where she found the kind of roles that truly spoke to her 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 eventually paved the way for her return to the silver screen. Her portrayal as Paul Newman's troubled girlfriend in 'The Hustler' was particularly well-received.

However, for a significant part of her life, Laurie distanced herself from acting. She married film critic Joseph Morgenstern, had a daughter named Ann Grace, and relocated to a farmhouse in Woodstock, New York. Laurie attributed her decision to the influence of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, as she was in search of a more meaningful existence. She expressed no regrets about her decision, saying, "My life was full. I always liked using my hands, and I always painted."

During this period, Laurie also gained recognition as a skilled baker, with her recipes even making their way into 'The New York Times.' Her only foray into performing was when she joined a group of musicians and actors on a college campus tour in support of Sen. George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign.

It wasn't until director Brian De Palma approached Laurie with the role of the deranged mother in 'Carrie' that her desire to act was reignited. Initially dismissing the script as trivial, she eventually realized De Palma's intention for the film as a thriller rather than a comedy. 'Carrie' became a massive hit, ushering in a wave of teenage-focused movies, and both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie received Academy Award nominations.

Piper Laurie's passion for acting reignited, leading her to a prolific career that spanned decades. Her presence graced television screens in series such as 'Matlock,' 'Murder, She Wrote,' 'Frasier,' and she even played George Clooney's on-screen mother in 'ER.'

Piper Laurie's life and career were a testament to her unwavering dedication to the art of acting. Her unique journey from Hollywood fame to self-discovery and back to stardom is a story that will be cherished in the annals of cinematic history.