R.I.P. 'Five Easy Pieces' & 'Nashville' star Karen Black (1939-2013) pic.twitter.com/1FthrNu9dO
— The Film Stage (@TheFilmStage) August 8, 2013
Actress Karen Black has died aged 74. The famed actress was known for her roles in Five Easy Pieces, The Great Gatsby and Easy Rider, reports Variety.
Here’s what you need to know…
1. Black Won an Oscar for Five Easy Pieces
She shared the Oscar with Maureen Stapleton, who was also nominated for Airport. The movie served as a vehicle for Jack Nicholson.
2. She Arrived in New York With Dreams of Becoming an Actress at 15
She left her home in Illnois to begin an acting career in New York at 15, she had previously been a prodigy, attending Northwestern University in early teen years.
3. Her Varied Roles Included Alfred Hitchcock’s final movie Family Plot
As well as Jeff Bridges first movie, Nashville, and also The Great Gatsby, and Easy Rider.
4. She Married Four Times
She was married four times, to Robert Burton, Charles Black, L.M. Kit Carson and Stephen Eckelberry.
5. She Had Battled Cancer For Some Time
She died at 74 after a long battle with cancer. Her death was reported by her husband Stephen Eckelberry on his Facebook page, he announced:
It is with great sadness that I have to report that my wife and best friend, Karen Black has just passed away, only a few minutes ago. Thank you all for all your prayers and love, they meant so much to her as they did to me.