What happened to Piper Laurie?

The cinematic world is mourning the loss of Piper Laurie, a versatile actress celebrated for her unforgettable performances in “Carrie,” “Twin Peaks,” and “The Hustler.” She was 91.

Marion Rosenberg, Laurie’s manager, confirmed the news to the media, paying tribute to her by calling her “a brilliant, creative force and a wonderful human,” emphasizing her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Hailing from Detroit, born in 1932 as Rosetta Jacobs, she adopted the moniker Piper Laurie after entering a contract with Universal Pictures in her late teens, in 1949. A year later, Laurie graced the big screen for the first time alongside Ronald Reagan in the comedy “Louisa.” Over the subsequent half-decade, Laurie showcased her talent alongside Hollywood’s finest, including Rock Hudson in “Has Anybody Seen My Gal” (1952), Tyrone Power in “The Mississippi Gambler” (1953), and Tony Curtis in “Johnny Dark” (1954).

Seeking more challenging roles and yearning to break free from the restrictive Hollywood typecasting, Laurie moved to New York, hoping to find diverse opportunities in television and theater. However, Hollywood beckoned once more with a standout role: playing alongside Paul Newman as Sarah Packard, the love interest of pool shark Eddie Felson, in the Oscar-winning drama “The Hustler” (1961). This pivotal role brought her her first Oscar nomination.

Her cinematic journey witnessed a hiatus until 1976. Laurie then re-emerged in a haunting portrayal of Margaret White, the intense, devout mother of Carrie, portrayed by Sissy Spacek, in the iconic horror “Carrie,” adapted from Stephen King’s novel. This riveting performance didn’t just etch her name in horror film history but also earned her a well-deserved second Oscar nod.