Sally Kirkland Net Worth

What is Sally Kirkland's Net Worth?

Sally Kirkland is an American actress who has a net worth of $50 thousand. Sally Kirkland gained critical acclaim for her role in the 1987 film "Anna," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and won her a Golden Globe. With a career spanning over six decades, Kirkland has appeared in more than 200 film and television productions, from supporting roles in major studio films to leading parts in offbeat indies. She is also a passionate advocate for the arts and spiritual healing, blending her Hollywood experience with activism, teaching, and alternative wellness practices. Known for her bohemian lifestyle and outspoken nature, Kirkland remains a cult figure—an icon of the artistic fringe who never played by Hollywood's rules but still left an indelible mark on the industry.

Financial Problems & GoFundMe

In May 2025, a GoFundMe was posted to support Sally. In the description, the GoFundMe states:

"In 2021 SAG-AFTRA cancelled the supplement insurance for members over the age of 65 that served as members Medigap coverage. The chaotic and confusing transition to another Medigap policy was marked with significant challenges leaving Sally with extensive out of pocket costs that have exceeded her savings and monthly pension income.

As a result today, she finds herself facing a significant health crisis—one that has not only affected her well-being but also requires urgent and quality medical care that she can no longer afford. While Sally has had a successful career as a working actor, due to bad advice from a financial advisor-business manager in 2007 during the market crash Sally lost the bulk of her investments and the money she made during the peak of her career (1988 – 1998)… This past year Sally fractured her four bones in her neck, right wrist, and her left hip. While recovering, she developed two separate life-threatening infections. The combination of these injuries and infections have required extensive hospitalizations and rehab beyond the 100 days insurance will cover.

As the days pass, lack of proper care greatly diminishes Sally's chance of a full recovery. However, with the right medical support, we know she has a strong chance of overcoming this setback and returning to the work she loves."

Early Life and Influences

Sally Kirkland was born in New York City to a prominent family steeped in the arts. Her mother, Sally Kirkland Sr., was a fashion editor for Vogue and Life magazines, and her father was a businessman. Surrounded by culture and creativity from a young age, she was named after her mother and raised in an environment where artistic expression was encouraged.

She studied acting with some of the most respected teachers in the business, including Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. Her training in method acting would deeply influence her raw, emotional approach to her craft.

Breakthrough with "Anna"

Kirkland worked steadily throughout the 1960s and 1970s in film, television, and theater, but it wasn't until her starring role in "Anna" that she became a household name. In the film, she played a washed-up Czech actress trying to rebuild her career in New York. Kirkland's performance was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity, and it earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress along with a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Drama.

"Anna" was an independent production, and Kirkland's success marked a rare moment when a low-budget film broke through the Hollywood system to spotlight a veteran actress long overlooked by mainstream casting.

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Film and Television Career

After "Anna," Kirkland worked steadily in both indie and mainstream projects. Her film credits include roles in "The Sting," "Private Benjamin," "JFK," and "The Way We Were." In many of these films, she played eccentric or emotionally intense characters, showcasing her range and commitment to complex roles.

On television, she had recurring and guest-starring roles in a wide variety of series, including "Roseanne," "Felicity," and "Days of Our Lives." She also appeared in numerous made-for-TV movies and cable dramas, frequently portraying women in crisis or characters on the margins of society—roles that matched her off-screen reputation for being bold, unfiltered, and intensely dedicated to her craft.

Acting Teacher and Mentor

In addition to her acting career, Kirkland has long been a respected acting teacher and mentor. She taught classes in Los Angeles for decades, emphasizing emotional truth, vulnerability, and authenticity. Many young actors, particularly those in the independent film scene, credit her with helping them access deeper levels of performance.

Her teachings often incorporated elements of spiritual healing and New Age philosophy, reflecting her lifelong interest in alternative medicine, meditation, and holistic wellness. She frequently combined artistic instruction with personal development, encouraging students to confront their inner blocks both on and off stage.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Kirkland has always embraced a free-spirited, countercultural identity. In the 1960s, she was involved in the avant-garde art scene and briefly experimented with drugs and psychedelia before turning to yoga and Eastern philosophy as a path to healing. She later became an ordained minister in the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.

She has been outspoken on various issues, including animal rights, environmentalism, and healthcare reform. Kirkland has also been candid about her struggles with depression and body image, often using interviews and public appearances to speak out on behalf of mental health awareness and self-acceptance.

Despite never marrying or having children, Kirkland has lived a rich and deeply connected life, maintaining close friendships within the artistic community and mentoring dozens of actors throughout her life.

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