The world of television and film is in mourning today, as the beloved actress Sally Kirkland, best known for her unforgettable work on Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 84.

The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood, the soap opera community, and fans worldwide, leaving a profound sense of loss and disbelief. According to reports,

Kirkland succumbed early this morning following severe complications from a tragic accident that escalated into a dangerous blood infection. The veteran star, who had been hospitalized in Palm Springs just days prior,

fought valiantly, but the infection ultimately proved fatal. Her publicist, Michael Green, shared with the press that Kirkland had initially appeared stable under intensive care. “Sally fought with courage and grace,” Green said. “Even in her final moments, she remained a true artist, a storyteller devoted to her craft and to the audiences who loved her.”

For decades, Sally Kirkland captivated viewers with her magnetic presence, emotional depth, and raw intensity on screen. Born in 1941 in New York City, she began her artistic journey in the 1960s, immersing herself in off-Broadway theater and training under some of the most respected acting coaches of her time. Her early career was marked by daring choices, often embracing roles that challenged societal norms and tested the limits of performance art.

By the late 1970s, Kirkland had made a name for herself in independent cinema and television, but it was her breakthrough in the 1987 film Anna that catapulted her into the Hollywood elite. The role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her reputation as a performer of extraordinary talent. Yet fame never changed her; colleagues describe her as deeply connected to her craft, her faith, and her fans.

While many remember Sally Kirkland for her accomplishments in film, she left a particularly lasting impression on Days of Our Lives. Her portrayal of Tracy Simpson in the late 1990s brought depth, vulnerability, and emotional gravitas to the show. Though her tenure on the soap opera was relatively brief, her performance resonated with viewers and cast alike. Kirkland often described her time on the DOOL set as profoundly rewarding. “It’s a family,” she once said. “When you step onto that set, you feel the history, the love, and the responsibility to the audience who have been watching for generations.”

Co-stars and fans alike have expressed deep sorrow over her passing. Social media has been flooded with tributes describing Kirkland as “a force of nature,” “wise beyond measure,” and “a star who lifted every scene she was in.” Her kindness, professionalism, and generosity of spirit made her an irreplaceable presence both on and off the screen.

Kirkland’s career spanned more than 200 film and television productions, including guest appearances on Charlie’s Angels, Roseanne, Criminal Minds, and Valley of the Dolls, as well as notable films like JFK, Bruce Almighty, Cold Feet, and Best of the Best. She never shied away from experimentation, often embracing diverse genres and collaborating with both emerging and established filmmakers. Her later work, including the 2024 semi-autobiographical film Sallywood, reflected a lifetime of dedication to her craft, exploring the challenges and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of art.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sally Kirkland was deeply spiritual. She believed in the healing power of art and creativity, often hosting intimate gatherings at her Los Angeles home where artists, musicians, and writers would come together to explore the intersection of life, faith, and artistic expression. Filmmaker Cody Galloway, her godson, described her as “not just my mentor, but my guiding light,” emphasizing her capacity to see beauty in struggle and instill hope in others. Kirkland is also survived by her cousins Tina, Brooke, and Catherine, who remember her as a woman with an indomitable spirit and a compassionate heart.

As Hollywood reflects on Kirkland’s passing, it becomes clear that her legacy extends far beyond awards and accolades. She was a mentor, a teacher, and an advocate for young talent, dedicating time to guide aspiring actors through the emotional and professional challenges of the industry. Her colleagues frequently spoke of her courage, humor, and unwavering grace, qualities that allowed her to navigate both triumph and tragedy with dignity. Her life serves as a reminder that artistry and humanity are inextricably linked.

Kirkland’s passing is deeply felt not only for her body of work but for the values she embodied: perseverance, creativity, empathy, and the ability to inspire. Her story is one of a life fully lived, filled with love, artistic fire, and dedication to those she mentored and worked alongside. While her final days were marked by tragedy, her influence and spirit continue to resonate with audiences and colleagues alike.

Her death also brings into sharp focus the bonds that form within the Days of Our Lives family. This same sense of connection was evident in the real-life story of Suzanne Rogers, the long-time actress behind Maggie Horton, and her battle with colorectal cancer. In a recent interview with US Magazine, co-star Lindsay Godfrey, who portrays Sarah Horton, shared how she supported Rogers through the diagnosis and treatment.

Rogers faced a deeply personal choice: to share her diagnosis with the public or bear it privately. Godfrey’s gentle encouragement helped her navigate the decision, ultimately transforming the experience into one of shared strength. “Sometimes the greatest strength comes not from fighting alone, but from letting others walk beside you,” Godfrey explained. Her words highlight the extraordinary power of friendship, mentorship, and community—values that Sally Kirkland embodied throughout her life and career.

During Rogers’ treatment, which involved grueling chemotherapy and radiation, the support she received from Godfrey and their chosen family became a lifeline. Their bond, built over years of working together, laughing together, and sharing life’s ups and downs, exemplifies the human connections that make workplaces like the DOOL set a source of both professional and personal resilience. Godfrey’s encouragement to be open about her struggles allowed Rogers to find strength in vulnerability, offering hope to countless fans facing their own health challenges.

The story of Kirkland, Rogers, and Godfrey reminds us that the power of human connection—whether in life or on screen—is immeasurable. It is not fame, wealth, or recognition that sustains us through life’s trials, but the presence of those who care deeply enough to stand beside us. For Kirkland, her chosen family of friends, colleagues, and fans were an extension of the very artistic spirit she cultivated throughout her life.

As the entertainment world mourns Sally Kirkland, her legacy remains a shining example of courage, artistry, and humanity. Her career touched generations of viewers, her mentorship shaped countless actors, and her warmth and generosity enriched the lives of all who knew her. Sally Kirkland’s journey may have ended, but her spirit endures, inspiring future artists to pursue their craft with integrity, passion, and love.

From all of us at NBC News, we extend our deepest condolences to Sally Kirkland’s family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Sally. Your artistry, courage, and light will never be forgotten, and your story will continue to resonate for generations to come.