Karen Black Passes Away at 74

Karen Black’s husband Stephen Eckleberry posted a message on Facebook today confirming his wife’s death after a long and difficult battle with cancer:

“It is with great sadness that I have to report that my wife and best friend, Karen Black has just passed away, only a few minutes ago. Thank you all for all your prayers and love, they meant so much to her as they did to me.”

The Oscar-nominated actress had a lengthy career spanning five decades. Among her more memorable films were Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, Nashville, Family Plot, The Great Gatsby, Airport 1975, and Burnt Offerings. Black also played four roles in the 1975 made-for-television film Trilogy of Terror, which remains one of the scariest productions ever to hit the small screen.

Black was 74.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.