Penelope Milford, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her work on stage and screen, including the cult classic Heathers, has died at the age of 77.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Milford passed away on October 14 while residing in a rehabilitation facility in Kingston, New York. Her sister, Candace Saint, and brother, Douglas Milford, confirmed that she had been recovering there following injuries sustained in a car accident in July.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Milford graduated from New Trier High School in Illinois before moving to New York City to pursue acting. She studied at the American Place Theatre and began her film career in 1970 with an appearance as an extra in Maidstone.
Milford built a strong reputation as a stage actress, performing in numerous off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including Lenny and Shenandoah. Her transition to film led to roles in several notable movies, such as Valentino, Endless Love, and Heathers, where her performance contributed to the film’s lasting cult status.
Her most acclaimed screen role came in Coming Home (1978), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Beyond acting, Milford explored other creative pursuits. In the mid-1980s, she operated an art gallery in Los Angeles and later taught acting. She eventually settled in Saugerties, New York, where she restored a historic home and focused on a quieter life.
Milford was briefly married to poet Michael Lally. She is survived by her sister, her brother, and three nieces and nephews.