Golden Globe Winner Sally Kirkland Hospitalized
Even after decades in Hollywood, the actress and producer now faces a quiet, vulnerable moment, surrounded by loved ones as she navigates a chapter defined by fragility and care.
Golden Globe-winning actress Sally Kirkland, now 83, is receiving care in a Palm Springs hospital, surrounded by loved ones. By her side is Cody Galloway, her longtime friend and former student.
Sally Kirkland is seen in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Her representative, Michael Greene, on November 9, 2025, shared that he was traveling from New York to be with her amid serious health concerns.
Sally Kirkland attends the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood, California on January 4. | Source: Getty Images
The representative confirmed that Kirkland has been living with dementia for the past year, and her condition recently required more advanced medical care.
Friends of Kirkland organized a GoFundMe to share the challenges she has faced recently. Over the past months, the actress has battled multiple health setbacks, including fractures to her neck, wrist, and hip, as well as two separate life-threatening infections that put her life at risk during recovery.
Sally Kirkland attends the 22nd Arpa International Film Festival at the American Legion Post 43 in Los Angeles, California on November 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
According to the campaign, these challenges have led to extensive hospitalizations and rehabilitation beyond the 100 days insurance will cover. The fundraising appeal also noted a significant setback in her insurance coverage.
The organizers explained that when SAG-AFTRA discontinued supplemental insurance for members over 65 in 2021, Kirkland was left shouldering medical expenses far beyond what her savings and monthly pension could cover.
Sally Kirkland attends the screening for "Making A Killing" at the Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills, California on August 10, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Kirkland's friends described her as a "limitless source of generosity, kindness, and unwavering spirit," while revealing the toll financial missteps have taken on her well-being:
"While Sally has had a successful career as a working actor, due to bad advice from a financial advisor-business manager in 2007 during the market crash Sally lost the bulk of her investments and the money she made during the peak of her career."
Despite the severe challenges she now faces, her inner circle remains hopeful. "With the right medical support, we know she has a strong chance of overcoming this setback and returning to the work she loves," her friends wrote.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-sally-kirklands-urgent-medical-care?mWidth=349.9999694824219&mHeight=502&dWidth=600&dHeight=502Born into a mainline Philadelphia family, Kirkland's life has been a study in contrasts. She became a sex symbol, nearly pursued a spiritual path as a swami, and performed Shakespeare and nude scenes off Broadway.
She has also challenged herself to survive in modest circumstances, living in a $68-a-month apartment next to a sanitation department despite her earlier life of privilege. Despite modest living conditions, her professional achievements have remained monumental.
Sally Kirkland attends the premiere of "Most Hated Woman In America" at the Paramount Theater during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
As a lifelong member of the Actors Studio, Kirkland's name is etched across Hollywood history. Over the course of her career, she brought to life more than 300 characters on stage and screen, from classics like "The Sting" and "JFK" to comedies and dramas including "Private Benjamin," "EDtv," "Bruce Almighty," "Revenge," and "Best of the Best."
Her portrayal in "Anna" earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe, and an Independent Spirit Award in 1988, cementing her place among Hollywood's most respected performers.
Sally Kirkland during The World Premiere of "Bruce Almighty" at Universal Amphitheatre in California on May 14, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Kirkland's legacy extends far beyond the screen. In a 2024 interview with Contrast Magazine, she reflected on her longstanding ties to the LGBTQ+ community. She said:
"I've always felt very protected by the gay community. I used to live in Santa Monica, and [one night] I woke up and a guy was in bed with me, it was horrifying – I thought he was going to rape or kill me. My manager at the time, Carl Parsons [who was gay], said 'you're getting out of here within 24 hours.'"
The actress added that she has married many gay couples, both in real life and on screen.
Sally Kirkland attends the Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood, California on January 6, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
On a site associated with her name, her lifelong dedication to the arts and teaching is also highlighted. Beyond her screen work, she has cultivated a life as a painter, a yoga instructor, and an ordained minister within the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, blending artistry and spirituality in her daily practice.
She has taught acting and emotional recall workshops nationwide and has coached major stars, including Robert Redford, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, and Sandra Bullock.
Sally Kirkland attends the screening of "An American In Texas" at the 2018 Dances With Films Festival at TCL Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood, California on June 11. | Source: Getty Images
Even in her later years, Kirkland's creative drive remained boundless. She once expressed her dream of having a studio large enough to fully immerse herself in her art, imagining a space where she could throw paint at the walls and watch it form new creations.
When artist Pasqual Bettio offered her a slightly smaller space in Park La Brea, she eagerly accepted the opportunity. Reflecting on her spiritual beliefs, she once said, "Laughter is the quickest way to God. My addiction is to God."