Mary Beth Hurt, three-time Tony Nominee and ‘Age of Innocence’ actress, dies at 79 after long battle with Alzheimer’s

Renowned American actress Mary Beth Hurt, whose distinguished career spanned nearly five decades across theatre, film, and television, has died at the age of 79. She passed away on March 28, 2026, in Jersey City, New Jersey, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her death was confirmed by her husband, filmmaker Paul Schrader, and their daughter, who noted that Hurt had been living with the illness for more than a decade.

Born Mary Beth Supinger on September 26, 1946, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Hurt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa before completing a Master of Fine Arts at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Hurt made her Broadway debut in the mid-1970s and quickly emerged as a formidable presence in American theatre. Over the course of her stage career, she earned three Tony Award nominations for her performances in Trelawny of the Wells, Crimes of the Heart, and Benefactors. Her portrayal of Meg Magrath in Crimes of the Heart drew particular acclaim for its emotional depth and nuanced delivery.


In addition to Tony recognition, Hurt received an Obie Award and the Clarence Derwent Award, underscoring her standing within the theatre community.

While theatre remained central to her identity as an actress, Hurt successfully transitioned to film with her debut in Interiors, directed by Woody Allen. The role introduced her to wider audiences and demonstrated her ability to convey complex psychological characters on screen.

She went on to appear in notable films including The World According to Garp, The Age of Innocence, Six Degrees of Separation, Light Sleeper, and Affliction.

Hurt also maintained a presence on television, appearing in long-running series such as Law & Order and Kojak.

Hurt’s personal life was deeply connected to the performing arts. She was previously married to actor William Hurt before marrying Paul Schrader in 1983. Their marriage lasted more than four decades and included several creative collaborations, with Hurt appearing in Schrader’s films during the 1990s.

Together, they raised two children while maintaining active careers in the arts.

In 2015, Hurt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that gradually curtailed her professional life and required increasing levels of care. She spent her later years in memory care facilities in New York before moving to an assisted living community in New Jersey.

Her family noted that she faced the illness with quiet dignity, supported by loved ones throughout her decline.

She is survived by Paul Schrader and their children, who have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of admiration for her life and work.