Kelly Lee Curtis Dies as Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns Her Actress Sister

Kelly Lee Curtis, actress and older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis, has died at the age of 69. Jamie Lee Curtis announced the news on Saturday, saying her sister died that morning at her home in Idaho and remembering her as her “first friend” and lifelong confidant. She described Kelly as beautiful, talented, generous, curious, and deeply connected to family, nature, music, travel, and her beloved holiday traditions. She also noted Kelly’s pride in her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry, and said she often ended messages with the Hungarian blessing “Isten Veled,” meaning “God is with you.”

Born on June 17, 1956, in Santa Monica, Kelly Curtis came from a family already tied closely to Hollywood. She was the eldest of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh’s two daughters. She made her screen debut as a child in The Vikings in 1958, appearing in the film alongside her parents. She later studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and built a career in both film and television over several decades.

Curtis appeared with her sister Jamie Lee Curtis in Trading Places in 1983 and later acted in films including Magic Sticks, The Devil’s Daughter, and Mixed Blessings. Her television work included a recurring role in the first season of The Sentinel, where she played Lt. Carolyn Plummer from 1996 to 1999. She also appeared in episodes of The Equalizer, Kojak, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Judging Amy, and other series.

Beyond acting, Curtis earned a business degree from Skidmore College in 1978 and briefly worked as a stockbroker before continuing her entertainment career. Her sister’s tribute highlighted her distinctive personality, calling attention to her style, humor, strong opinions, and memorable Christmas cookies that earned her the family nickname “Auntie Cookie.”

Kelly Curtis is survived by her husband, playwright Scott Morfee.