The film and theater world is saying goodbye to one of its most quietly powerful stars.
Mary Beth Hurt, the acclaimed actress known for her unforgettable roles in “The World According to Garp” and “Interiors,” has died at the age of 79 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her passing was confirmed Sunday in a heartfelt message shared by her family.
“She was an actress, a wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend—and she carried every role with grace and kind ferocity,” the statement read. “While we are grieving, there is comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.”
Born Mary Beth Supinger in Marshalltown, Iowa, Hurt built a remarkable career that spanned stage, film, and television. She trained at the University of Iowa and NYU before making her New York stage debut in 1974—quickly establishing herself as a force in theater.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. Hurt earned three Tony nominations throughout her career, including standout performances in “Crimes of the Heart,” “Trelawny of the Wells,” and “Benefactors.” Her work in “Crimes of the Heart” also earned her an Obie Award, cementing her reputation as one of Broadway’s most respected performers.
Hollywood soon came calling. Director Woody Allen cast her in her film debut, “Interiors” (1978), where she played one of three sisters navigating a fractured family. From there, Hurt delivered memorable performances in “The World According to Garp,” “Chilly Scenes of Winter,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence,” and “Six Degrees of Separation.”
Despite her success on screen, Hurt was famously selective about her roles. In a 1989 interview, she explained her approach bluntly: many film offers simply didn’t interest her. Instead, she chose projects that challenged her—opting for depth over quantity.
She also made her mark on television, appearing in series like “Law & Order,” “Thirtysomething,” and “Kojak,” while continuing to collaborate with her husband, writer-director Paul Schrader, on films like “Affliction” and “Light Sleeper.”
Later in her career, Hurt earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for “The Dead Girl” and appeared in films including “Young Adult,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” and “The Lady in the Water.”
Off-screen, her life was just as full. She was previously married to actor William Hurt from 1971 to 1981 and is survived by her husband Paul Schrader, along with her children.
Mary Beth Hurt may not have chased the spotlight—but her performances left a lasting imprint on generations of audiences. And now, as tributes pour in, it’s clear her legacy will endure long after the final curtain call.
