Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis has announced the death of her older sister, Kelly Curtis, at the age of 69. In a poignant post on Instagram, the Freaky Friday and Halloween star wrote: 'She was my first friend and lifelong confidant.' The announcement has drawn tributes from fans and fellow actors, many of whom have shared memories of the Curtis family's enduring place in film history.
Kelly Curtis was born in 1956 to screen legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, making her and Jamie Lee part of one of Hollywood's most famous dynasties. Kelly appeared in a handful of films during the late 1970s and 1980s, including the drama The Magician of Lublin and the comedy Stitches, but largely stayed out of the spotlight in later years. Jamie Lee, 65, has often spoken warmly of their bond, noting that Kelly was a grounding presence in her life.
The news arrives as Jamie Lee Curtis continues to enjoy a career resurgence, including her Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), which is available to stream in the UK on Prime Video. She also recently reprised her role in the horror sequel Halloween Ends (available on Netflix UK). The actress has been recognised multiple times by BAFTA, winning the Best Supporting Actress award in 2023 for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
No cause of death has been disclosed, and the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time. Jamie Lee Curtis has not indicated whether any public memorial or funeral arrangements are planned. Her post concluded with a simple, heartfelt message: 'I will miss her every day.'
The Curtis sisters' father, Tony Curtis, died in 2010, and their mother, Janet Leigh, passed away in 2004. The family's legacy continues through Jamie Lee's own work, as well as through the enduring popularity of classic films such as Psycho (starring Leigh) and Some Like It Hot (starring Tony Curtis), both widely available on BBC iPlayer and other streaming services in the UK.