Oscar winner mourns sister’s death at 69: ‘She was jaw droppingly beautiful’
They starred together in 1980s hit comedy.
Liam Carter 
Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis has shared a heartbreaking update, announcing the passing of her older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. The 69-year-old died at her home in California on Saturday.
A Final Farewell
In a heartfelt social media tribute, Jamie Lee Curtis noted that her sister passed away while at peace in nature. Describing her as a lifelong confidant and her very first friend, the actress wrote, “She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress.”
The post highlighted Kelly Lee Curtis’s vibrant personality and eclectic interests, which ranged from a competitive spirit in card games to a love for thrifting, travel, and Pokémon Go. Known to family as “Auntie Cookie” for her signature Christmas treats, she was also celebrated for her fierce opinions, curiosity, and deep pride in her Hungarian Jewish and Danish heritage.
A Storied Career
Kelly Lee Curtis, the eldest daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, first graced the screen in an uncredited role in the 1958 film The Vikings alongside her parents. As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, she later shared the screen with her sister in the iconic 1983 comedy Trading Places.
Beyond her film work, Kelly Lee Curtis built a solid television resume, with roles in popular series such as The Equalizer, Hunter, Silk Stalkings, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, her legacy as a talented performer and a devoted family member remains firmly intact.
