Hollywood veteran Sally Kirkland, one of the last true icons of America’s golden age of film, has entered hospice care as she continues to battle dementia at the age of 84. The Oscar-nominated actress, known for her decades of work in both film and television, is now resting in a Palm Springs hospital surrounded by close friends and loved ones.
According to her representative, Michael Greene, Kirkland’s longtime friend and former student Cody Galloway has been by her side throughout her difficult health struggle. A heartfelt update on her GoFundMe page, which was launched in late 2024 to help cover her mounting medical costs, confirmed that the actress is now under hospice care.
“Thank you for all your love and support. Sally is grateful for your kindness and love,” the Friday update read. “Sally is on hospice now and is resting comfortably. Please hold and send the light for Sally.”
The page reveals the physical and financial toll Kirkland’s health crisis has taken over the past year. The actress reportedly suffered a series of devastating injuries, including fractures to four bones in her neck, her right wrist, and her left hip. During her recovery, she also developed two separate life-threatening infections — setbacks that required extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation well beyond what insurance would cover.
A previous update from October painted a heartbreaking picture of her condition. “Sally sends her love to everyone. It has been a challenging few months for Sally as her health continues to struggle,” the organizers wrote. “She had a fall in the shower, when she was left unattended, injuring her ribs, foot, along with cuts and bruises.”
That same update noted that the “80 for Brady” actress was receiving around-the-clock care in a specialized facility that was “providing wonderful safety and care.” Even so, the GoFundMe continues to raise funds to bridge the gap between her limited income and the cost of care. As of Monday morning, supporters had contributed more than $58,900 of the $65,000 goal — a testament to the respect and affection Kirkland has earned over her long career.
For those unfamiliar with her work, Sally Kirkland isn’t just another Hollywood name — she’s a piece of American cultural history. A onetime member of Andy Warhol’s Factory circle, she appeared in more than 250 film and television projects over six decades.
Her most celebrated role came in 1987’s *Anna*, a moving performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe, and an Independent Spirit Award. She went on to appear in memorable films such as *JFK*, *Bruce Almighty*, *Cold Feet*, and *Best of the Best*. On television, she made guest appearances on classics like *Murder, She Wrote*, *Charlie’s Angels*, *Roseanne*, *The Nanny*, and *Days of Our Lives*.
While Hollywood often forgets its own, Kirkland’s fans haven’t. Her supporters continue to honor her with donations, prayers, and tributes online — a fitting reminder that while her body may be failing, her spirit, artistry, and contribution to American film endure.
In a business that too often discards its legends, Sally Kirkland’s story is a sobering look at how quickly the spotlight fades — but also a reminder that some stars never truly dim.
