Acclaimed Broadway and Film Actor Mary Beth Hurt Dies at 79

The Tony-nominated star appeared alongside Glenn Close in multiple productions over her decades-long career.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:14pm

An extreme close-up of a richly textured, high-contrast fabric in deep burgundy and gold, conceptually representing the glamour and prestige of the theater world that Mary Beth Hurt was a part of.The passing of acclaimed actor Mary Beth Hurt marks the end of an era for Broadway and Hollywood, as she was known for her ability to bring depth and nuance to complex roles.NYC Today

Mary Beth Hurt, a renowned stage and screen actor who received a Tony Award nomination for her work on Broadway, has died at the age of 79. Hurt was known for her collaborations with actress Glenn Close, including starring alongside her in the play 'Benefactors' and the film 'The World According to Garp'.

Why it matters

Hurt's passing marks the end of an era for Broadway and Hollywood, as she was considered one of the most respected and versatile actors of her generation. Her work spanned both the stage and the silver screen, and she was particularly acclaimed for her ability to inhabit complex, nuanced roles.

The details

Over the course of her decades-long career, Hurt appeared in numerous acclaimed productions on Broadway, including 'Benefactors' alongside Glenn Close. She also reunited with Close for the 1982 film adaptation of 'The World According to Garp', in which she played a supporting role. Hurt was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in 'Benefactors'.

  • Mary Beth Hurt passed away on March 30, 2026.

The players

Mary Beth Hurt

A Tony-nominated Broadway and film actor who was known for her collaborations with actress Glenn Close.

Glenn Close

An acclaimed actress who co-starred with Hurt in multiple productions, including the play 'Benefactors' and the film 'The World According to Garp'.

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What they’re saying

“Mary Beth Hurt was a true master of her craft, bringing depth and nuance to every role she took on. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the theater and film communities.”

— Meryl Streep, Actress

The takeaway

Hurt's career spanned decades and genres, cementing her legacy as one of the most respected and versatile actors of her time. Her collaborations with Glenn Close in particular highlighted her ability to bring complex, layered characters to life on both the stage and the screen.