Acclaimed Stage and Film Actress Mary Beth Hurt Dies in New Jersey

Mary Beth Hurt, a three-time Tony Award–nominated actress known for her work on stage and in films such as Interiors and The World According to Garp, has died at the age of 79.

Her death was confirmed on March 30, 2026. Hurt passed away on Saturday, March 28, at an assisted living facility in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Her daughter, Molly Schrader, said Hurt had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for about a decade and had been in memory care since early 2023. She died with family members by her side.

In a joint statement, her husband, filmmaker Paul Schrader, and their daughter described her as someone who approached her life and work with “grace and a kind ferocity.”

Hurt built a long career across film, television, and theater, earning recognition for her subtle and emotionally precise performances. She made her film debut in Woody Allen’s Interiors (1978), where her portrayal of Joey drew early attention. She later appeared in The World According to Garp (1982) alongside Robin Williams, as well as in films including The Age of Innocence, Six Degrees of Separation, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

On stage, Hurt was a prominent figure in New York theater. She received Tony Award nominations for her performances in Crimes of the Heart, Trelawny of the Wells, and Benefactors. Her work was often noted for its intelligence and restraint.

Mary Beth Hurt is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Paul Schrader, and their two children.