Piper Laurie, an accomplished, dramatic actress, died at 91 on Oct. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Her manager confirmed that Laurie had died in an article from the Associated Press. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Born Rosetta Jacobs on January 22, 1932, she was able to overcome shyness in childhood through elocution classes and a love for performing that would follow her into her teens. At 17 years old, she was discovered by Universal Studios. She was quickly signed as a contract player and given her screen name, Piper Laurie. Although she didn’t care for it much at first, she continued to use it for the rest of her career.

During her time at Universal, she was typecast as a sweet ingénue, a female character usually known for her innocence and virtue. Publicity surrounding her tried to maintain this image through the gossip columns. Laurie was rumored to have a skin care routine involving milk baths and a diet that included flower petals. She co-starred alongside Ronald Reagan (1950’s “Louisa,” her breakout role), Tony Curtis (1951’s “Son of Ali Baba”), and Donald O’Connor (1951’s “Francis Goes to the Races”).

Dissatisfied with her roles and general treatment from the press, she left Los Angeles for New York City to become a dramatic actress. By the time she had come back to star with Paul Newman in 1961’s “The Hustler,” her acting abilities had captured the attention of the Academy Awards, who nominated Laurie for Best Actress that year. In the film, she plays Sarah Packard, the alcoholic girlfriend of Newman’s Eddie Felson, who watches him gamble as she longs for a better life with him elsewhere.

Her next role would not be for 15 years, as she mainly stayed in television in the interim years. However, this would become her most recognizable role, at least on film. She played opposite Sissy Spacek in 1976’s “Carrie,” directed by Brian De Palma. An adaptation of Stephen King’s first novel, Laurie played Margaret White, the controlling, religiously zealous mother of the title character. She delivers her lines like a preacher, even venturing into camp territory, shaming her teenage daughter for what she perceives as sinful behavior, though she herself possesses nuance that showcases her own flaws and insecurities.

This marked her second Academy nomination (Best Supporting Actress) and a revitalization of her career. Her third nomination came with “Children of a Lesser God” in 1986, in which she played another domineering mother character, this time to a deaf teacher hoping for romance within the school she teaches at.

Not every role she took after was some mutation of Margaret White, but her stint on the 90s mystery drama “Twin Peaks” brought her further acclaim as Catherine Martell. Her unscrupulous character earned her a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her work on both film and television showcased her dramatic abilities and a willingness to take on what Hollywood would deem as “unglamorous” roles. She also went on to appear in over 100 films and television shows, showing a dedication to her craft. Her fans mourn the loss of this talented, yet underrated actress.