The world of cinema has lost a shining star. Penelope Milford, the iconic actress who graced the screen in the '70s and beyond, has passed away at 77, leaving behind a legacy that spans film, television, and theater. Her death on October 14 in Saugerties, New York, as confirmed by her brother Doug Milford, marks the end of a remarkable journey—though the cause remains private. But here's where it gets truly remarkable: Milford's career was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by her Oscar-nominated role in the 1978 film Coming Home alongside Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. While she didn’t take home the Oscar that year—losing to Maggie Smith for California Suite—her performance as Vi Munson remains a poignant portrayal of a family grappling with the emotional scars of war.
And this is the part most people miss: Milford’s career was far more than just one role. A St. Louis native, she began as an extra in the 1970 film Maidstone before making waves off-Broadway in Long Time Coming and a Long Time Gone (1971), where she shared the stage with a young Richard Gere—a collaboration rumored to have sparked a romance. Her talent earned her a Drama Desk nomination in 1975 for Shenandoah, a Civil War-era musical that explored themes of neutrality and loss. But was her stage work truly as groundbreaking as her film roles? That’s a debate for the theater enthusiasts.
Milford’s versatility shone through in a string of notable films, including Man on a Swing (1974), Valentino (1977), The Last Word (1979), and cult favorites like Heathers (1988). She also dominated the small screen with made-for-TV films such as The Burning Bed (1984), which earned a Golden Globe. But here’s the controversial question: Did her transition to television diminish her cinematic legacy, or did it simply expand her reach?
Beyond acting, Milford’s creativity knew no bounds. In the '80s, she ventured into the art world, running a gallery in Los Angeles before teaching film acting in Chicago and Minneapolis. Her personal life was equally intriguing—she was briefly married to poet Michael Lally and later dedicated herself to preserving a historic home in Saugerties, where she settled in 2003. Was this shift from Hollywood to historic preservation a retreat, or a reinvention?
Milford’s family legacy is equally impressive. Her brother, Richard Kim Milford, starred as Rocky in the original The Rocky Horror Show, which inspired the 1975 cult classic film. But did Penelope’s shadow ever overshadow her brother’s achievements, or did their paths simply diverge?
As we reflect on her life, one thing is clear: Penelope Milford was a multifaceted talent whose impact extended far beyond the screen. She is survived by her brother Doug and sister Candace Saint, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire. What’s your take? Did Penelope Milford get the recognition she deserved, or was she overlooked in the annals of Hollywood history? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
