Sally Kirkland
ActingAbout Sally Kirkland
Sally Kirkland (October 31, 1941 — November 11, 2025) was an American film, television and stage actress and producer. A former member of Andy Warhol's The Factory and an active member in 1960s New York avant-garde theater, she has appeared in more than 250 film and television productions during her 60-year career. Kirkland is the daughter of fashion editor of Life magazine and Vogue, Sally Kirkland. Kirkland was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Anna (1987), but lost to Cher, who won for her role in Moonstruck. She won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role and received awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the Independent Spirit Awards. She earned a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for The Haunted (1991). Kirkland was also known for her roles in Cold Feet (1989), Best of the Best (1989), JFK (1991), and Bruce Almighty (2003).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Sally Kirkland reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Sally Kirkland's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 46% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Sally Kirkland remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Hit the Dutchman, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Sally Kirkland Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Sally Kirkland's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Sally Kirkland.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sallywood | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Holiday Boyfriend | Alice | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | 80 for Brady | Ida | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | The Walk | Mrs. Kelley | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Magic Max | Elaine Hart | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Sarah Q | Helena | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Paint It Red | Adele | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Feminists: What Were They Thinking? | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | The Most Hated Woman in America | Lena Christina | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Extinction | Rose | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Trash Fire | Florence | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Slut | Grandma | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Stars in Shorts | Madame Ulaila | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | A Bag of Hammers | Older Jewish Lady | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Big Stan | Madame Foreman | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Fingerprints | Mary | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Neo Ned | Shelly Nelson | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Bruce Almighty | Anita | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | EDtv | Jeanette | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Westing Game | Sydelle Pulaski | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Excess Baggage | Louise | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Double Deception | Anita Cortez | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Hit the Dutchman | Emma Flegenheimer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Player | Sally Kirkland | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Stringer | Joan Pezanasky | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | JFK | Rose Cheramie | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Haunted | Janet Smurl | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Heat Wave | Mrs. Canfield | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Revenge | Rock Star | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Two Evil Eyes | Eleonora | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Best of the Best | Catherine Wade | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Hello Actors Studio | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | A Rose for Emily | Gossip | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Private Benjamin | Helga | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | A Star Is Born | Photographer | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | Jane-Marie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Death Scream | Mary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Bite the Bullet | Honey | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Noah | Friday-Anne | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Big Bad Mama | Barney's Woman | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Blazing Saddles | Cashier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Sting | Crystal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Cinderella Liberty | Fleet Chick | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Way We Were | Pony Dunbar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Going Home | Ann Graham | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Coming Apart | Joann | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Andy Warhol Screen Tests | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Dirt | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Crack in the Mirror | Bit Part (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
Sally Kirkland - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Sally Kirkland?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Sally Kirkland is "Hit the Dutchman" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Sally Kirkland acted in?
Sally Kirkland has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Sally Kirkland?
Other notable films include "Double Deception", "The Sting", and "Dirt".