Piper Laurie was an American actress known for her roles in the films
Laurie was born Rosetta Jacobs in Detroit, Michigan, on January 22, 1932. She was the younger of two children of Alfred Jacobs, a furniture dealer, and his wife, Charlotte Sadie (née Alperin) Jacobs. Her paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Poland and her maternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Russia.
Laurie's parents were supportive of her interest in acting, and she began taking lessons at a young age. In 1949, she signed a contract with Universal Studios and adopted the stage name Piper Laurie. She made her film debut in the 1949 film Louisa*, followed by a string of supporting roles in films such as The Milkman* (1950), Prince of Foxes* (1951), and Has Anybody Seen My Gal?* (1952).
In 1953, Laurie starred in the film The Golden Blade*, opposite Rock Hudson. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it made Laurie a star. She went on to star in several other successful films in the 1950s, including Untamed* (1955), with Gary Cooper, and Until They Sail* (1957), with Jean Simmons.
However, Laurie was unhappy with the types of roles she was being offered. She was often cast as the ingenue, and she felt that she was capable of more complex and challenging roles. In 1959, she left Universal Studios and moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater.
Laurie made her Broadway debut in the 1960 play The Teahouse of the August Moon*. She received critical acclaim for her performance, and she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
In 1961, Laurie returned to Hollywood to star in the film The Hustler. She played Sarah Packard, a lonely woman who falls in love with a pool hustler, played by Paul Newman. Laurie's performance was praised by critics, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Laurie continued to work in both film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She had notable roles in films such as The Cardinal* (1963), The Group* (1966), and Ruby Gentry* (1971). She also appeared in several television shows, including The Twilight Zone*, Alfred Hitchcock Presents*, and The F.B.I.*
In 1976, Laurie starred in the film Carrie, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. She played Margaret White, a religious fanatic who abuses her daughter, Carrie. Laurie's performance was chilling and unforgettable, and it earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Laurie continued to work steadily in the 1980s and 1990s. She had notable roles in films such as Children of a Lesser God* (1986), Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me* (1992), and They Shoot Horses, Don't They?* (1997). She also appeared in several television shows, including The Thorn Birds*, Frasier*, and Grey's Anatomy*.
In 2011, Laurie published her autobiography, Learning to Live Out Loud. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it gave readers a glimpse into Laurie's life and career.
Laurie was a gifted actress with a wide range. She was able to play both sweet and innocent characters, as well as dark and complex ones. She was also a versatile actress, and she was able to excel in both film and television.
Laurie's career spanned over six decades, and she left behind a legacy of iconic performances. She was a true Hollywood legend.
In addition to her work as an actress, Laurie was also a vocal advocate for social justice. She was a supporter of the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement. She was also a board member of the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Organization for Women.
Laurie was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a talented actress, a social activist, and a role model for women everywhere. She will be deeply missed.
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