Piper Laurie, Cruel Mom in `Carrie,' Dies at Age 91

Photo: Jerod Harris / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Actress Piper Laurie, best known for her haunting turn as an abusively devout mother in the 1976 horror classic "Carrie," died in Los Angeles Saturday at the age of 91, according to multiple media reports.

Laurie had been ill for some time, her manager Marion Rosenberg told reporters.

Rosenberg called her "one of the most remarkable and versatile actresses of her day, a brilliant and creative mind, and a glorious human being."

Laurie appeared in over 100 films and television shows over her long and varied career. Many of her performances were critically praised, including her role opposite Paul Newman in 1961's "The Hustler," a key part in 1986's "Children of a Lesser God," and a recurring role in the 1990s television show "Twin Peaks."

Many audiences know her best from "Carrie," however. Her chilling portrayal of Margaret White, the fanatic and frighteningly overprotective mother of the shy high school student played by Sissy Spacek gave a distinctive depth to Brian De Palma's film of Stephen King's novel.

Laurie was nominated for three Oscars during her career, and received Emmy nominations for "Twin Peaks" in 1990 and 1991.

Her last credit was a role as the grandmother of an FBI informant- turned drug dealer in 2018's "White Boy Rick," which starred Matthew McConaughey.


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