Veteran Hollywood actress Mary Beth Hurt, known for her work in film, television, film and theater, has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 79 years old.
Hurt died Sunday morning in Jersey City, TMZ reported. She was surrounded by her family when she took her last breath. Her daughter, Molly Schrader, and her husband, director Paul Schrader, confirmed her death in a joint Facebook post.
The family of Mary Beth Hurt announces her death
“She was an actress, wife, sister, mother, aunt, and friend, and she filled all of these roles with grace and gentle ferocity. Although we all grieve, there is some comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and has been safely reunited with her sisters,” the family wrote in their tribute to Mary.
Mary Beth Hurt’s acting career
Over the course of a career spanning decades, Hurt has worked extensively in all forms, earning three Tony Award nominations for her performances in “Crimes of the Heart,” “Trelawny of the Wells” and “Benefactors.” She also appeared in prominent films like “The World As to Garp”, “Young Adult”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, “The Lady in the Water” and many more.She also collaborated with her husband on projects including “Affliction” and “Light Sleeper,” and made guest appearances on television series such as “Law & Order.”
Fans applaud
In response to news of her death, fans took to social media to share their favorite on-screen moments from Hurt and paid touching tributes. One wrote: “Farewell, Mary Beth Hurt. She was never less than brilliant, although I would argue INTERIORS was her finest hour.”Another said: “Rest well, Mary Beth Hurt (1946-2026), who recently appeared on our screens in 35mm just last month in her feature debut INTERIORS (1978). The film screened last month as part of our retrospective honoring the late Diane Keaton.”
She is survived by Paul Schrader, their daughter and their son.
