Actress Penelope Milford, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated role in the 1978 film Coming Home, has passed away at the age of 77. Her brother, Doug Milford, confirmed her death on Tuesday in Saugerties, New York, though the cause has not been disclosed.
Milford’s portrayal of Vi Munson in the Hal Ashby-directed film earned her critical acclaim. The movie, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, also starred Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. It tells the poignant story of a woman whose Marine officer husband is fighting overseas, while she falls in love with a former classmate who has returned from the war with a paralyzing injury. Milford’s character, Vi, is the sister of Robert Carradine’s character, Bill Munson, who struggles with emotional trauma after his brief stint in Vietnam.
Career Highlights and Acclaim
Though Milford ultimately lost the Oscar to Maggie Smith for California Suite, Coming Home was a significant success, winning three Oscars, including Best Actress for Fonda and Best Actor for Voight. Milford’s talent extended beyond film; she had a notable stage career, originating the role of Jenny Anderson in the Broadway musical Shenandoah in 1974. Her performance earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination in 1975, although she lost to her castmate Donna Theodore.
Shenandoah, adapted from a 1965 film starring Jimmy Stewart, tells the story of a Virginia farmer who remains neutral during the Civil War until his son is captured by Union soldiers. Milford’s stage presence was further solidified with her Broadway debut in Lenny, a play about the life of comedian Lenny Bruce, where she performed alongside Cliff Gorman, who won both a Tony and a Drama Desk Award for his role.
From Hollywood to Teaching
Milford’s film career began with a role in Norman Mailer’s 1970 film Maidstone, known for its avant-garde style. She later appeared in Ken Russell’s biopic Valentino in 1977. Her television roles in the 1980s included The Oldest Living Graduate, which featured notable actors like Henry Fonda and Cloris Leachman, and earned two Primetime Emmy Awards. She also starred in Seizure: The Story Of Kathy Morris and The Burning Bed, the latter receiving a WGA Award and Golden Globe.
Despite her success, Milford reportedly became disillusioned with acting towards the late 1980s. She appeared in films such as Heathers (1988) and Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1996) before transitioning to teaching film acting in Chicago and Minneapolis throughout the 1990s.
Life in Saugerties and Legacy
In 2003, Milford relocated to the Hudson Valley village of Saugerties, New York, where she embraced a new role as a preservationist. She continued to engage with the arts, performing at local theaters, singing with the Bard Symphonic Chorus, and participating in the Woodstock Christian Science Church.
Born on March 23, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, Milford moved with her family to Illinois, where she grew up. Her acting journey began in New York in 1971, starring opposite Richard Gere in an Off-Broadway production. Her early work laid the foundation for a diverse and impactful career in both stage and screen.
Penelope Milford’s contributions to film, theater, and her community leave a lasting legacy. As the industry reflects on her achievements, her work continues to inspire aspiring actors and audiences alike.
