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

Hurt, who was married to director Paul Schrader, was nominated for three Tony Awards during her career.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged black shapes against a stark white background, conceptually representing the iconic presence of actress Mary Beth Hurt.The passing of acclaimed actress Mary Beth Hurt leaves a void in the entertainment world, but her powerful performances will continue to resonate.Marshalltown Today

Mary Beth Hurt, a veteran stage and film actress known for her roles in movies like 'The World According to Garp' and 'Interiors,' has died at the age of 79 from Alzheimer's disease. Hurt was married to writer-director Paul Schrader and collaborated with him on several projects.

Why it matters

Hurt was a respected and acclaimed actress who had a long career spanning stage, film, and television. Her death marks the passing of a talented performer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through her diverse body of work.

The details

Hurt, born Mary Beth Supinger in Marshalltown, Iowa, made her stage debut in New York in 1974 and went on to earn three Tony nominations for her performances in 'Crimes of the Heart,' 'Trelawny of the Wells,' and 'Benefactors.' She transitioned to film with roles in Woody Allen's 'Interiors' and the adaptation of John Irving's 'The World According to Garp.' Hurt also appeared in movies like 'The Age of Innocence,' 'Six Degrees of Separation,' and 'The Dead Girl,' for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

  • Hurt died on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • She was 79 years old at the time of her passing.

The players

Mary Beth Hurt

An acclaimed stage and film actress who starred in movies like 'The World According to Garp' and 'Interiors.' She was married to director Paul Schrader.

Paul Schrader

A writer and director who was married to Mary Beth Hurt. They collaborated on several projects together.

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What they’re saying

“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. Although we're all grieving there is some comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and reunited with her sisters in peace.”

— Molly Schrader, Daughter of Mary Beth Hurt

The takeaway

Mary Beth Hurt's passing marks the end of an era for a talented and versatile actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through her acclaimed stage and film work. Her collaborations with her husband, director Paul Schrader, further cemented her legacy as a respected and accomplished performer.