The versatile American actress Mary Beth Hurt, a three-time Tony nominee celebrated for her roles in The World According to Garp and Interiors, has died at the age of 79, per variety.com. Her death on Sunday followed a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed in a statement by her husband, the renowned writer-director Paul Schrader, and their daughter, Molly.
Born in Iowa, Hurt rose to prominence in the 1970s New York theatre scene. Her stage prowess earned her Tony Award nominations for Crimes of the Heart, Trelawny of the Wells, and Benefactors. She transitioned seamlessly to cinema when Woody Allen cast her in his 1978 drama Interiors, marking the start of a distinguished film career.
Hurt became a familiar face to international audiences as Helen Holm Garp in the 1982 adaptation of The World According to Garp. Her diverse filmography included Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence, Six Degrees of Separation, and several collaborations with her husband, such as Affliction and Light Sleeper.
Known for her discerning approach to her craft, Hurt once noted that she preferred to wait for “interesting” roles rather than accept every offer. This selective nature led to a body of work defined by depth and “kind ferocity,” according to her family. On television, she made memorable guest appearances in Law & Order and Thirtysomething.
Hurt was previously married to the late actor William Hurt. She is survived by Paul Schrader and their two children.
•Featured image: Mary Beth Hurt/ Getty
