Actress Kelly Lee Curtis, the eldest daughter of Hollywood icons Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 69. Her younger sister, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, announced the news in a heartfelt social media post.
Jamie Lee Curtis Pays Tribute
Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram to share the news, posting a black-and-white photograph of her sister. She wrote that Kelly died "in her home. In nature. At peace." Describing their bond, Jamie said, "She was my first friend and lifelong confidant. She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress."
Jamie fondly recalled her sister's unique personality and interests: "She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokemon Go." She also noted that Kelly was "proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry" and a "devoted American patriot."
Remembering her sister's warmth, Jamie mentioned Kelly's "loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie." She concluded her tribute with a Hungarian blessing that Kelly often used: "Isten Veled, meaning 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."
Acting and Directing Career
Born in Santa Monica, California, Kelly Lee Curtis made her acting debut as an uncredited child in her parents' 1958 film The Vikings. She later appeared alongside her sister Jamie in the 1983 comedy Trading Places. Her television credits include roles in The Sentinel, The Equalizer, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and the Mary Tyler Moore TV movie Thanksgiving Day.
In addition to acting, Kelly was a documentary filmmaker. Her directing credits include The Night She Came Home!! (2013), Marby Jets Are Go (2018), and Curling in Stanley (2019). She died in Bellevue, Idaho, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
