TV and Movies

[Oznell]

Film and theater actress Shirley Knight died today of natural causes.

She made a big splash in her youth in the film of Mary McCarthy's novel, "The Group".   Other credits included "Sweet Bird of Youth",  "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs",  "Petulia",  and many more.  Received multiple award nominations for her acting.

Even on TV she stood out.  I remember her on an episode of "The Fugitive".   She played a well-brought up Southern young woman who had a nervous breakdown after a traumatic incident.  She brought a translucent, fragile yet indomitable quality to her role, and prevailed against a tormenting step-mother played by none other than late-career Gloria Grahame!

She was talented, elusive-- to me, always seems slightly off-beat, a little reminiscent of Sandy Dennis, or Joanne Woodward.  An actress of substance,  who may not have always gotten roles commensurate with her ability.

RIP Shirley Knight. 

[on the bay]

I wanted to see who she was-she sure is beautiful in that picture.

When I saw how she looked more recent I thought I recognized her!

She played Marcia Cross' mother-in-law in Desperate Housewives!And many more things of course.

Such a fun actress.

I'm sorry to hear this and for her family.

[spiderw]

I am sorry to hear this.  I have the movie The Group on my DVR, it is one of my favorites from that time and has a terrific cast including Shirley Knight.   I also loved Joan Hackett in that movie, she passed at a young age.  She was an actress who could have done much more had she lived. I agree with your description about Shirley Knight, she was off beat and I liked that about her.  

I appreciated Shirley Knight as a unique lovely actress.  May she be at peace with God.

[cindyNC]

I had to look up her film credits as I remembered the face but wasn't sure where I had seen her..........Law and Order SVU. Great actress. 

[RoughDraft]

Played Helen Hunt's mother in As Good as it Gets.  

[Tangocash]

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@RoughDraft wrote:

Played Helen Hunt's mother in As Good as it Gets.  

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I was going to post that. I also watched her just 2 nights ago in The Group on TMC.

[FranandZoe]

So sorry to hear this too.  I always liked her  

RIP

[Desertdi]

I remember seeing her in several "Murder She Wrote" episodes.   An excellent actor.    A true loss for the profession.   RIP.

[Oznell]

@spiderw,  nice call-out to Joan Hackett, Shirley Knight's co-performer and contemporary,  who died way too young:

[FranandZoe]

Oh I loved Joan Hackett too - what a loss.