Piper Laurie (who is Piper Laurie?)

Piper Laurie is an American actress whose career has spanned several decades. Born Rosetta Jacobs on January 22, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, she is known for her performances in both film and television.

Laurie's breakout came after she signed a contract with Universal Pictures in the early 1950s, where she was given the stage name Piper Laurie. One of her first notable roles was in the 1950 film "Louisa" with Ronald Reagan. Throughout the 1950s, she appeared in a series of films that showcased her versatility, including "The Prince Who Was a Thief" (1951), "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" (1952), and "The Mississippi Gambler" (1953).

In 1961, Laurie delivered one of her most acclaimed performances in "The Hustler", co-starring Paul Newman. Her portrayal of Sarah Packard earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Following her success in "The Hustler", Laurie took a hiatus from acting to focus on her family life.

Returning to her career with a significant impact, she played a memorable role in Brian De Palma's horror film “Carrie” (1976), based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. As the fanatically religious mother of the title character, Laurie garnered her second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress.

Her versatility continued to shine through in a variety of genres. On television, Laurie's performance in the miniseries "The Thorn Birds" (1983) and the television movie "Promise" (1986) earned her critical acclaim, including Emmy Awards.

Laurie’s later career included performances in David Lynch's cult classic “Twin Peaks”. She portrayed Catherine Martell in the series that ran from 1990 to 1991 and made a reprisal in the 2017 revival. Her role once again illustrated her ability to navigate between drama and a kind of dark comedy intrinsic to Lynch's work.

Piper Laurie has also worked in theater, including Broadway productions. Her stage work provided additional venues for critical recognition and allowed her to explore a range of dramatic roles.

Off-screen, Laurie published her memoir, "Learning to Live Out Loud: A Memoir," in 2011, which details her life and experiences in Hollywood.

Piper Laurie remains a respected figure for her significant contributions to film and television, as well as her resilience and ability to adapt to a changing industry over the decades of her career. For further detailed information about Piper Laurie's life and career, visit her IMDb profile or read her autobiography for an in-depth personal perspective.