Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall has died, aged 89
By Nick Levine
Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall has passed away at the age of 89.
The actress died at her home after suffering a “massive stroke” earlier today (August 12), TMZ has reported.
Her death – though not the cause – has since been confirmed by the estate of Humphrey Bogart, her late husband. See their tweet below.
With deep sorrow, yet with great gratitude for her amazing life, we confirm the passing of Lauren Bacall. pic.twitter.com/B8ZJnZtKhN
— BogartEstate (@HumphreyBogart) August 12, 2014
Bacall, born Betty Joan Perske in The Bronx, New York, made her name playing opposite Bogart, soon her husband, in classic 1940s films noir including To Have and to Have Not, The Big Sleep and Key Largo.
She later appeared with Marilyn Monroe in the much-loved 1953 comedy How to Marry a Millionaire, and alongside Gregory Peck in the acclaimed 1957 rom-com Designing Woman, which was directed by Vincente Minnelli.
She also appeared in the classic 1974 British film, Murder on the Orient Express, an Agatha Christie adaptation that also starred Albert Finney, Sir John Gielgud, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery and Vanessa Redgrave. In 1990, she made a memorable supporting appearance flanking Kathy Bates and James Caan in Misery.
In 1996, she won a Golden Globe and received her first – and only – Oscar nomination for her supporting turn opposite Barbra Streisand in The Mirror Has Two Faces.
Her more recent film roles included 2003’s Dogma and 2004’s Birth, both opposite Nicole Kidman, and 2007’s The Walker with Kristin Scott Thomas and Woody Harrelson.
In 2009, she received an honorary Oscar for her life’s work in film, and earlier this year she took on a guest voice role in an episode of Family Guy.
In addition to her big screen work, Bacall took on numerous roles on Broadway during her career, winning a pair of Tony Awards for her performances in 1970’s Applause and 1981’s Woman of the Year.
Bacall is one of the “Golden Age of Hollywood” stars name-checked in Madonna’s 1990 hit Vogue, in the couplet: “Lauren, Katherine, Lana too / Bette Davis, we love you.
Bacall was married twice, to Bogart from 1945 until his death in 1957, and then to another actor, Jason Robards, from 1961 until their divorce in 1969. She is survived by her three children, two sons and a daughter.