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Oscar-Nominated 'Coming Home' Star Penelope Milford Dies at 77

Oscar-nominated actress Penelope Milford has passed away at age 77. She earned her Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in the 1978 film 'Coming Home'. Milford's career spanned stage, film and television over several decades. Her brother confirmed she died in Saugerties, New York, though the cause remains unknown.

Key Points: Penelope Milford Coming Home Oscar Nominee Dies at 77

  • Earned 1979 Oscar nomination for Supporting Actress in 'Coming Home'
  • Made Broadway debut in Tony-winning play 'Lenny' in 1972
  • Co-starred with Richard Gere in Off-Broadway production early in career
  • Appeared in acclaimed TV films including 'The Burning Bed'
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Oscar-nominated 'Coming Home' actor Penelope Milford passes away at 77

Oscar-nominated actress Penelope Milford, known for 'Coming Home' and Broadway roles, passes away at 77 in New York. Her career spanned film, stage and television.

"Penelope Milford took her last breath in Saugerties, New York - Variety"

New York, October 16

American stage and film actor Penelope Milford, who bagged the Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 1979, has passed away at 77.

According to Variety, Penelope Milford took her last breath in Saugerties, New York, as confirmed by her brother, Doug Milford. The cause of her death remains unknown.

Milford, whose professional career began on the New York stage in 1971, co-starred opposite Richard Gere in an Off-Broadway production of 'Long Time Coming and a Long Time Gone'. It is based on the life of musician-novelist Richard Farina.

Later in 1972, Milford made her Broadway debut in Julian Barry's Tony Award-winning play titled 'Lenny'. She also received a Drama Desk Featured Actress in a Musical nomination for 'Shenandoah'.

Around the same time, she started appearing in films, making her debut with Norman Mailer's 1970 film, 'Maidstone'. Milford was also seen as a silent film star in Ken Russell's 'Valentino'.

Penelope Milford got her major breakthrough with Hal Ashby's Oscar-nominated 'Coming Home'. The film went on to bag nine Oscar nominations, including her Supporting Actress nod.

She was seen as Vi Munson, whose brother had just come back after two weeks in Vietnam, suffering severe emotional problems. She later develops a friendship with Fonda's Sally Hyde, leading her roommate to volunteer at a Veterans Administration Hospital.

The film eventually won three trophies, including Best Actress for Jane Fonda and Best Actor for Jon Voight.

Milford also had a significant TV career, featuring in the Emmy-winning TV play, 'The Oldest Living Graduate', TV movie 'Seizure: The Story of Kathy Morris'. Another big TV film of her career came with 'The Burning Bed', which won several accolades, including a WGA Award and a Golden Globe.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sad to hear this news. 'Coming Home' was such a powerful film about the aftermath of war. Her portrayal of Vi Munson was so authentic. May her soul attain peace 🕊️
A
Arjun K
What an incredible career spanning stage, film and television! From Broadway to Oscar nominations - she truly lived her passion. Wish more Indian audiences knew about such talented international artists.
S
Sarah B
While she was undoubtedly talented, I wish the article had mentioned more about her later years and contributions beyond acting. Still, a remarkable life well-lived.
M
Meera T
Om Shanti 🌸 Her work in 'The Burning Bed' was particularly impactful. It's important to remember artists who used their platform to highlight important social issues. May she rest in peace.
D
David E
Working with legends like Richard Gere and Jane Fonda - what an incredible journey! Her legacy in American cinema will continue to inspire future generations of actors.

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