The veteran actress from the 1980s, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The following 1980s actress, now 83 years old, has also worked as a producer. In recent years, however, she has struggled with a medical condition that has taken a toll on her. Despite this, netizens still commend her appearance. Before looking at her current state, let’s explore her work and personal background.
The actress at the launch party for "273 Perfume by Fred Heyman" in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The Star’s Start and Growth in the Entertainment Industry
This iconic star began her journey in the entertainment industry as a model for Vogue. Her mother who was a former “Vogue” and “Time” fashion editor, partly facilitated her entry.
The actress' mother in 1944 | Source: Getty Images
While modeling, she trained under acting coach Lee Strasberg at The Actor’s Studio. Her acting career started on the off-Broadway circuit under Strasberg’s guidance. Eventually, she appeared in over 270 television shows and movies.
The actress during Celebrities at "Howard Stern Show" Live Broadcast from Spago's Restaurant in Hollywood, California, on November 23, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The New York City-born actress starred alongside legendary actors such as Goldie Hawn, Michael Caine, Jeremy Renner, Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, and Barbra Streisand. Her life changed in 1988 when she became an A-lister after the release of her well-known film, “Anna.”
For this film, she earned several accolades, including a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars, a Golden Globe Award, an Independent Spirit Award, and the LA Film Critics Circle Award.
The actress during the opening of the Camp Beverly Hills Boutique in California on June 23, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Her Golden Globe win was especially notable, as she triumphed over her lifelong friend and fellow actress Barbra Streisand, as well as Glenn Close. While advancing her career, she encountered someone famous who became the love of her life.
The actress at the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Benefit Telethon on September 1, 1979, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Falling for Bob Dylan
The actress first saw musician Bob Dylan and immediately fell “madly in love.” The “Blowin’ In The Wind” singer went on to write songs inspired by her, such as “Sally Gal” and “Girl From the North Country.”
The second track echoed the first words Dylan said to her when they met in the 1960s in New York City: “You remind me of a girl from the North Country.” However, the singer was unaware of her feelings when they initially met.
The actress at Marisa Berenson's birthday party on February 14, 1981, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
She was then a budding model and waitress at Café Figaro in New York, climbing her way through The Factory while participating in avant-garde theater. Reflecting on that time, she shared, “I fell in love with him the second I saw him perform on stage. I was 22 at the time.”
At that time, Dylan was performing at Greenwich Village venues alongside Joan Baez.
Their romance was the most passionate relationship of her life, and she still cherishes it. She confessed, “I was obsessed, Oh God yeah. He is the reason I am single and is definitely the love of my life.”
However, the “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” vocalist first dated and married his first wife, Sara Lownds in 1965, and she became the mother of his four children.
Bob Dylan and Sara Lownds at Heathrow Airport, London, on September 2, 1969 | Source: Getty Images
In 1972, the singer moved to Los Angeles. The actress, who was then working as a stage actor in New York City, followed him, saying, “I am not going to stop until I am with him.” Within months of her move, she became highly sought after by studios.
In her first three years there, she appeared in over 20 films and television roles. Her career soared, cementing her Hollywood status and in 1976, she finally achieved her goal of connecting with Dylan.
She shared how she grew close to the “Like A Rolling Stone” musician: “Bob’s best friend was Louis Kemp and I was very close friends with Louis’ sister, Sharon Kemp, who also grew up with Bob.” Sharon promised, “If you make me your manager, I will get you together with Bob.” The actress agreed.
The timing was ideal, as she had recently divorced her first husband, Michael R. Jarrett, whom she married in 1974. At the same time, Dylan’s marriage was crumbling. After her divorce and while the singer was legally separated from his wife, the actress would send him the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness newspaper.
The actress circa 1980's | Source: Getty Images
In 1976, she became a minister of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, performing weddings, memorials, and other ceremonies. The first wedding she officiated was Ringo Starr’s road manager’s wedding at his house.
She and Dylan often discussed spirituality, focusing on soul transcendence and their higher purposes. She revealed, “I believe in life after life. I believe that I have had five lifetimes with Bob,” adding, “I told Bob this once and he agreed with me.”
The two only became romantically involved when she was in her 30s. She admitted her long-held feelings for him, which he found “charming.” Their on-and-off relationship lasted 20 years, partly due to their demanding careers.
“We got together in the late 70’s, had another affair in the mid 80’s and then another one in the 90’s (sic),” she disclosed. She admired Bob Dylan a lot, saying, “He is the biggest inspiration of my life. He was a workaholic like myself, but Bob was always for the little guy. It was one of his most admirable qualities.”
The actress at Spago in West Hollywood, California, on January 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Things between her and the musician failed to be everlasting, but her career has been solid. By 2023, the star had been acting for more than 60 decades and had never had to leave the craft, do something else, or wait for jobs.
She’s been lucky in that work has been back to back. Reflecting on her career, she said, “I have no regrets about my career. I accomplished more than I ever thought possible.”
The actress during the 5th Anniversary Party for Omni Magazine in New York City on October 7, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
However, “My only real regret, however, is that I didn’t have a baby,” she admits adding, “I tried to have a baby with Bob a couple of times, but it was just not meant to be. I would have loved to be a stage mom. I never got the chance to do this.”
She’s continued working in her 80s but has since faced a medical issue that she’s asked for funds for.
The actress at the 18th Annual International Beverly Hills Film Festival Opening Night Gala Premiere of "Benjamin" on April 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The Actress’ Current Work-Life and Medical Condition
Speaking in a 2024 interview, Sally Kirkland noted how she’s always wanted to work and is lucky to be doing that. She took great and not-so-impressive scripts and didn’t face workless moments, but has faced lots of rejection.
Sally Kirkland at the closing night gala of the 22nd Arpa International Film Festival on November 10, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
It’s something Kirkland alluded to in her 2024 movie, “Sallywood.” She said, “I remember one line where I say to Tyler [Steelman], ‘I don’t know where I belong…anymore.’ [Tears up] So obviously, that was said with some meaning.”
Sally Kirkland seen on March 19, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In November 2024, her friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $65,000 for urgent medical care. They cited the cancellation of SAG-AFTRA’s supplemental insurance for members over the age of 65 in 2021.
Sally Kirkland sharing her gratitude to fans on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sallykirklandactor
The insurance had served as Medigap coverage for members. Transitioning to another Medigap policy came with significant challenges leaving the actress with “extensive out of pocket (sic) costs that have exceeded her savings and monthly pension income.”
Sally Kirkland sharing her gratitude to fans on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sallykirklandactor
The campaign revealed that Kirkland faced a “significant health crisis.” In 2023, she fractured four bones in her right wrist, neck, and left hip, and later during her recovery, she developed life-threatening infections, necessitating extensive hospitalizations and rehabilitation for over the 100 days that her insurance will cover.
Sally Kirkland sharing her gratitude to fans on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sallykirklandactor
By December 2024, the fundraiser had raised $39,317. Kirkland shared an update from her hospital bed eating. She revealed that she was in a new facility, where her recovery care could be more streamlined.
Days before the update, the actress uploaded an Instagram video of herself lying in bed. Emotionally, she thanked all those who’d supported her and her GoFundMe saying, “I feel your love. Thank you all for your much needed support and for helping me get through this. ❤️”
Fans flooded her with messages of encouragement. One person wrote, “You are glamorous no matter what! Sending love & healing Sally 💗🙏🏻 (sic).” Seeing the picture of her eating after being moved to a new facility, another added, “You look amazing!”
Responding to a 2022 post of Kirkland praying for her followers, someone commented, “Beautiful and generous 🙏💚🍀.” In her prayers, the actress prayed for peace, good health, and more.
