Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Actress Kelly Curtis at 69
Kelly Curtis Passes Away
Kelly Curtis, the beloved actress and sister of Jamie Lee Curtis, has sadly passed away at the age of 69 on Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was the daughter of renowned Hollywood icons Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. The heartbreaking news was shared by her younger sister, Jamie, who revealed that Kelly died peacefully at her home, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Kelly had a diverse career in film, television, and theater, often collaborating with her family. Born in 1956, she began her acting career as a child artist and later took on various roles throughout her life in the entertainment industry.
Tributes from Jamie Lee Curtis
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Jamie expressed her sorrow, stating, "A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. She passed away this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace." Jamie described Kelly as her first friend and lifelong confidant, highlighting her beauty and talent as an actress. She fondly remembered Kelly's love for playing cards, especially hearts, and her passion for collecting turtles.
Jamie also shared that Kelly cherished her family, nature, music, travel, thrifting, Facebook, and Pokémon Go. Proud of her Danish heritage and Hungarian Jewish roots, Kelly was a devoted American patriot. Jamie emphasized that her sister would be remembered for her loving spirit, strong opinions, curiosity, unique style, and her famous Christmas almond cookies, which earned her the affectionate nickname "Auntie Cookie." Jamie concluded her tribute with a Hungarian blessing, "Isten Veled," meaning "God is with you," saying, "Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I'll see you on down the line."
Kelly Curtis: A Brief Overview
Born on June 17, 1956, in Santa Monica, Kelly made her screen debut as a child in The Vikings (1958), featuring her parents. She later established a successful career in film, television, and theater, with notable roles in Trading Places, The Sentinel, and appearances in popular shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and The Equalizer. In addition to acting, she contributed behind the scenes, assisting Jamie Lee Curtis on various films and directing a documentary in 2018.
Before fully committing to acting, Kelly studied business, worked as a stockbroker, and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. She is survived by her husband Scott Morfee, sister Jamie Lee Curtis, brother-in-law Christopher Guest, and other family members. Her passing signifies the loss of a cherished member of one of Hollywood’s most iconic families.