Sandy Dennis

Biography

Sandy Dennis, born Sandra Dale Dennis on April 27, 1937, in Hastings, Nebraska, was a distinguished American actress known for her unique acting style characterized by nervous ticks and offbeat mannerisms. A graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska, she began her career in New York City, making her stage debut in 1956. Dennis gained acclaim for her performances in Broadway productions, winning two Tony Awards for "A Thousand Clowns" and "Any Wednesday." She made her film debut in "Splendor in the Grass" (1961) and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966). Throughout her career, she appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing her emotional depth and distinctive quirks. Dennis passed away from cancer on March 3, 1992, in Westport, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy celebrated through a foundation in her honor.