When did Penelope Milford make her big-screen debut? Career highlights explored as Oscar-nominated 'Coming Home' star dies at 77

Penelope Milford made her first big-screen appearance in the 1970 film, Maidstone. Milford started with small roles. During her debut film, she was one of the extras in Norman Mailer's film. Over the years, she honed her acting skills and appeared as the lead character in a handful of films. She even received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Vi Munson in Coming Home.

Penelope Milford's death was made public by her sister, Candace Saint. The 77-year-old actress passed away in an assisted living facility located in Saugerties, New York. However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed to the public.

Keep reading to learn more about Milford's career as an actress.

Penelope Milford's career highlights

Penelope Milford was born in Missouri and brought up in Illinois. Milford was not the only actor in the family. Her little brother, Kim, was also an actor and musician, but he sadly passed away at the age of 37 due to a heart attack.

Coming to her profession, before moving to the big screen, she started acting in the theater. Her first role was in Lenny (1972), which is a play based on the life of actor Lenny Bruce. A few years later, she was cast as Jenny Anderson in Shenandoah, which was inspired by the eponymous film. Milford was nominated for the first Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress for her role as Jenny Anderson.

Penelope also worked with the famous Richard Gere in a musical called Long Time Coming and a Long Time Gone.

After a few years in theater, Penelope Milford moved on to television shows. Her debut role was in a 1976 episode of The Blue Knight. She also starred alongside Henry Fonda and Cloris Leachman in the Emmy Award-winning show The Oldest Living Graduate.

A few other award-winning shows Milford appeared in are Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Story and The Burning Bed.

Penelope appeared in the BAFTA-nominated film, Valentino. She played the role of Lorna Sinclair. Some of the last films she appeared in include Night of the Lawyers (1997), playing the character of Anna Carroll, the first victim in the American horror film, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part II (1996), and Normal Life as Adele Anderson.

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Penelope Milford's journey in Hollywood was one of persistence and talent. From starting as an extra to earning an Academy Award nomination, she built a meaningful career that left a lasting mark on film, television, and theater. Her work and the characters she brought to life will continue to be remembered.

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