Kelly Curtis, the sister of acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis, has died at the age of 69. The news was shared by Jamie Lee Curtis in an emotional Instagram post, where she described her sister as "my first friend and lifelong confidant."
A Life Remembered
In her heartfelt tribute, Jamie Lee Curtis wrote, "She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress. She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go." The post also highlighted Kelly's pride in her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry, as well as her devotion as an American patriot.
Kelly Curtis passed away "at peace" at her home in California on Saturday. No cause of death has been released at this time.
Early Life and Family
Born in Santa Monica, California, Kelly was the eldest daughter of legendary actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. She had four other siblings: Alexandra, 61, and Allegra, 59, from her father's second marriage to Christine Kaufmann, and brothers Nicholas, who died in 1994, and Benjamin, 53, from his third marriage to Leslie Allen.
Acting Career
Kelly's first role was an uncredited appearance alongside her parents in the 1958 film The Vikings. She later starred with her sister Jamie in the 1983 comedy Trading Places. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kelly appeared in numerous television shows, including The Equalizer, Hunter, Silk Stalkings, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and a recurring role on The Sentinel. She also worked as an assistant on several of Jamie's films.
Personal Life
Kelly is survived by her husband, theatre producer Scott Morfee. She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her signature powdered almond crescent cookies at Christmas, which earned her the nickname "Auntie Cookie."
In her tribute, Jamie Lee Curtis concluded with a Hungarian blessing that Kelly often used: "Isten Veled, God is with you. Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I’ll see you on down the line."
