Penelope Milford, renowned for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1978 film “Coming Home,” has passed away at 77 in Saugerties, New York. The news was confirmed by her brother, Doug Milford, though the cause of her death remains unknown.
In “Coming Home,” Penelope portrayed Vi Munson alongside Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. Her character, the sister of Robert Carradine’s Bill Munson, grappled with the mental health repercussions of Bill’s experiences in Vietnam.
Despite a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, Penelope lost to Maggie Smith for her role in “California Suite.” Beyond her film career, Penelope was a prominent figure on stage, originating the role of Jenny Anderson in the 1974 musical “Shenandoah.”
Transitioning from New York stage beginnings, Penelope ventured into Broadway with her debut in the Tony Award-winning play “Lenny.” She later delved into television, starring in TV plays and movies throughout the 1980s, including “The Oldest Living Graduate” with Henry Fonda and “The Burning Bed” with Farrah Fawcett.
In the later years of her career, Penelope found fulfillment in teaching film acting in Chicago and Minneapolis during the 1990s. She later relocated to New York, becoming a preservationist of local historic homes while continuing to participate in local theater productions and singing in the Bard Symphonic Chorus.
Penelope is survived by her brother Doug, while her other brother Kim Milford, an actor on Broadway, tragically passed away in 1988 due to complications following open heart surgery. Kim, who starred in various productions including “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Rocky Horror Show,” had congenital heart defects.
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