Veteran stage and screen actress Mary Beth Hurt has died at the age of 79. Her husband, acclaimed director Paul Schrader, and daughter Molly announced the news on social media on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The family confirmed that Hurt passed away following a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Hurt was a powerhouse in both Hollywood and on Broadway. She made a stunning film debut in Woody Allen’s 1978 drama Interiors, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. Fans also remember her for her iconic role as Helen Holm in the 1982 film The World According to Garp, starring alongside Robin Williams. Her extensive filmography included Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence and the legal thriller The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

Beyond the silver screen, Hurt was a titan of the American theater. She earned three Tony Award nominations throughout her career for her work in Trelawny of the 'Wells', Crimes of the Heart, and Benefactors. She was also a recipient of an Obie Award for her off-Broadway contributions. She is survived by Schrader, her husband of over 40 years, and their children.