Penelope Milford, the acclaimed actress best known for her Oscar-nominated role in the 1978 film Coming Home, has passed away at the age of 77. Milford died on Tuesday in Saugerties, New York, as confirmed by her brother Doug Milford. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Milford’s portrayal of Vi Munson in the Hal Ashby-directed film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Coming Home, which also starred Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern, is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and explores the emotional turmoil faced by veterans and their families. Despite her compelling performance, Milford lost the Oscar to Maggie Smith, who won for her role in California Suite.
Stage and Screen: A Versatile Career
Beyond her film work, Milford was a celebrated stage actress. In 1974, she originated the role of Jenny Anderson in the Broadway musical Shenandoah, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination. The musical, adapted from a 1965 film starring Jimmy Stewart, tells the story of a Virginia farmer who is drawn into the Civil War after his son is captured by Union soldiers.
Milford’s early career was marked by notable performances alongside prominent actors. Her New York acting journey began in 1971 with an Off-Broadway production of Long Time Coming And A Long Time Gone, where she starred opposite Richard Gere. Her Broadway debut came a year later with Lenny, a play about the life of comedian Lenny Bruce, which featured Tony Award-winning performances.
Film and Television: Expanding Horizons
Milford’s film debut was in Norman Mailer’s 1970 film Maidstone, known for its avant-garde style. She continued to build her filmography with roles such as a silent film star in Ken Russell’s 1977 biopic Valentino. Her television career in the 1980s included performances in The Oldest Living Graduate and The Burning Bed, the latter earning significant acclaim and awards.
Despite her success, Milford reportedly grew disenchanted with acting by the late 1980s. Her later film roles included appearances in Heathers (1988) and Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1996). Transitioning from acting, she began teaching film acting in Chicago and Minneapolis during the 1990s.
Legacy and Later Years
In 2003, Milford relocated to the Hudson Valley village of Saugerties, New York, where she embraced her role as a preservationist. She remained active in the arts, performing at local theaters, singing with the Bard Symphonic Chorus, and participating in the Woodstock Christian Science Church.
Milford’s contributions to film, theater, and television left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity earned her a place among the most respected actresses of her time.
As the industry reflects on her legacy, Milford’s work continues to inspire new generations of actors. Her dedication to her craft and her community in her later years underscores a life lived with passion and purpose.
The world of entertainment mourns the loss of Penelope Milford, a talented actress whose performances will be remembered for their emotional resonance and artistic integrity.
