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Mary Beth Hurt, Star of 'The World According to Garp,' Dies at 79

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Acclaimed actress Mary Beth Hurt, known for her roles in film and theater and a Tony Award nominee, died at 79 due to Alzheimer's.

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#Mary Beth Hurt#Actress#Death#The World According to Garp#Interiors#Paul Schrader#Alzheimer's
Mary Beth Hurt, Star of 'The World According to Garp,' Dies at 79

Mary Beth Hurt, who was nominated for three Tony Awards and known for her roles in films such as 'Interiors' and 'The World According to Garp,' died on Sunday due to Alzheimer's. The news was confirmed via a joint Facebook post from her daughter, Molly Schrader, and her husband, writer-director Paul Schrader. The actress worked on stage, in films, and on television, and collaborated with her husband on 'Affliction' and 'Light Sleeper'.

Hurt was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film and theater. Her versatility and talent allowed her to portray a wide range of characters, earning her recognition from both critics and audiences. Her legacy will endure through her numerous performances.

In the joint statement, her multifaceted life was highlighted: 'She was an actress, a wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend, and she took on all those roles with grace and kind ferocity.' The post also expressed comfort in knowing that Hurt was no longer suffering and was reunited with her sisters in peace. The actress was beloved and respected by her colleagues and admirers, who mourn her loss.

Her passing represents a significant loss for the artistic community, but her impact on film and theater will continue to be remembered and celebrated. Her work continues to inspire new generations of artists and viewers.

Born Mary Beth Supinger in Marshalltown, Iowa, Hurt was married to actor William Hurt from 1971 to 1981. She studied acting at the University of Iowa and then at NYU, making her New York stage debut in 1974. She was Tony-nominated for her performances in 'Crimes of the Heart', for which she won an Obie, 'Trelawny of the Wells,' and 'Benefactors'.

Her versatility allowed her to excel in different media, leaving an indelible mark on each of them. Her performances in the theater were acclaimed by critics and audiences, solidifying her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Woody Allen gave her her first film role in 1998 in 'Interiors,' where she played one of the three sisters dealing with family disintegration. She later appeared in 'The World According to Garp,' playing Helen Holm Garp, 'Chilly Scenes of Winter,' Martin Scorsese’s 'The Age of Innocence,' and 'Six Degrees of Separation.' In a 1989 interview with The New York Times, Hurt stated that she preferred to be selective with her film roles: 'Fifty percent of the roles I’m offered in films are nothing. I don’t mean sizewise. There’s nothing of any interest in them. So I do the ones that are interesting, unless I haven’t done one in a long while. Then I’ll do one that isn’t interesting.'

This statement reflects her commitment to quality and her desire to participate in projects that truly challenged her as an actress.

On television, Hurt guest-starred on shows including 'Law & Order,' 'Thirtysomething,' and 'Kojak.' She was nominated for an Indie Spirit award for 2006’s 'The Dead Girl' and also appeared in 'Young Adult,' 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose,' 'The Lady in the Water,' and 'Change in the Air.' Hurt is survived by Schrader, a daughter, and a son.

Her legacy on television, though less prominent than in film and theater, was also recognized with nominations and appearances in series that marked an era. Her versatility allowed her to adapt to different formats and genres, consolidating her reputation as a complete actress.
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This content has been synthesized and optimized to ensure clarity and neutrality. Based on: Variety