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Acclaimed Actress Mary Beth Hurt Dies at 79
The 'Interiors' and 'Garp' star elevated supporting roles with insight and improvisational skill.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:22pm
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The passing of acclaimed actress Mary Beth Hurt marks the end of an era for a performer who brought depth and nuance to supporting roles on both stage and screen.NYC TodayMary Beth Hurt, an acclaimed actress known for her supporting roles in films like 'Interiors,' 'The World According to Garp,' and 'The Age of Innocence,' has died at the age of 79 from Alzheimer's disease. Hurt was an established theater actress before making her film debut in Woody Allen's 'Interiors' in 1978, where she stood out alongside a cast of heavyweights. She went on to have a successful career on both the stage and screen, earning praise for her ability to elevate supporting roles with insight and improvisational skill.
Why it matters
Hurt was a respected character actress who brought depth and nuance to her supporting roles, often playing mothers, wives, and sisters. Her passing marks the end of an era for a talented performer who helped define the golden age of American independent cinema and theater.
The details
Hurt made her film debut in Woody Allen's 1978 drama 'Interiors,' where she appeared alongside a cast that included Diane Keaton, Geraldine Page, Sam Waterston, and Maureen Stapleton. Critics praised her performance, with Hurt later recalling how she overcame her initial nervousness by noticing that even established stars like Keaton were also feeling jittery on the first day of shooting. Hurt went on to have a prolific career, appearing in acclaimed films like 'The World According to Garp' and 'The Age of Innocence' as well as numerous Broadway productions, for which she earned Tony nominations.
- Hurt made her film debut in Woody Allen's 'Interiors' in 1978.
- Hurt passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2026 in an assisted-living home in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The players
Mary Beth Hurt
An acclaimed actress known for her supporting roles in films like 'Interiors,' 'The World According to Garp,' and 'The Age of Innocence.' She had a successful career on both the stage and screen, earning praise for her ability to elevate supporting roles with insight and improvisational skill.
Paul Schrader
Hurt's husband, who is a film director.
Molly Schrader
Hurt and Paul Schrader's daughter.
What they’re saying
“I remember the first day of shooting I was so nervous. But I looked down and saw that Keaton's knees were shaking — and I immediately became calm. I thought, 'It's all right, everyone gets nervous.'”
— Mary Beth Hurt, Actress
The takeaway
Mary Beth Hurt's passing marks the end of an era for a talented character actress who brought depth and nuance to her supporting roles in both film and theater. Her ability to elevate even minor parts through her insight and improvisational skill made her a respected and admired performer throughout her long career.
