The actress, producer, and daughter of Hollywood legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh has passed away.

Kelly Curtis Dies at Age 69

June 01, 2026 – Kelly Curtis, actress and older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis, has died at the age of 69.

The news was confirmed by Jamie Lee Curtis through an emotional social media tribute in which she revealed that Kelly passed away peacefully at her home on May 30. Jamie described her sister as her “first friend and lifelong confidant,” honoring a bond that lasted throughout their lives.

The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, friends, and members of the entertainment industry.

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Born Into Hollywood Royalty

Kelly Lee Curtis was born on June 17, 1956, in Santa Monica, California.

She was the eldest daughter of legendary Hollywood stars Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, making her part of one of Hollywood’s most famous acting families. Her younger sister Jamie Lee Curtis would later become one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable actresses, but Kelly also built a career in film and television.

Growing up in a famous family brought public attention from an early age, though Kelly often maintained a quieter profile than some of her relatives.

She Built Her Own Acting Career

While she never reached the same level of fame as her sister, Kelly developed a respected career across film and television.

She appeared in movies including Trading Places, where she worked alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as projects such as Magic Sticks and The Devil’s Daughter. Her television appearances included roles in The Equalizer, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Judging Amy, and The Sentinel.

Her work extended beyond acting, with credits in production and documentary filmmaking as well.

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She Also Worked Behind the Scenes

Kelly’s contributions to the entertainment industry were not limited to acting.

Over the years, she worked behind the scenes on several projects involving Jamie Lee Curtis, including serving as a production assistant and personal assistant on films such as Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks, and You Again.

Friends and colleagues often described her as creative, intelligent, and deeply supportive of those around her.

Jamie Lee Curtis Shared a Heartfelt Tribute

Jamie’s announcement painted a deeply personal portrait of her sister.

In her tribute, she remembered Kelly as beautiful, talented, curious, generous, and fiercely independent. Jamie reflected on Kelly’s love of family, travel, music, nature, thrift shopping, collecting turtles, and even playing Pokémon Go. She also affectionately recalled her famous almond crescent Christmas cookies, which earned Kelly the nickname “Auntie Cookie.”

The emotional message resonated with fans who admired the sisters’ lifelong bond.

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Their Relationship Grew Stronger Over Time

Following Kelly’s passing, Jamie shared additional memories reflecting on their relationship.

She revealed that although childhood rivalry and family circumstances occasionally created distance between them, their connection deepened significantly as adults. Jamie recalled how Kelly served as maid of honor at her 1984 wedding, a moment that helped strengthen their bond for the remainder of their lives.

Those reflections added another layer of emotion to the public tributes.

Kelly Was Known for Her Warm Personality

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kelly was remembered for her unique spirit and generosity.

Jamie described her sister as endlessly curious, opinionated, stylish, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. Family members and friends frequently highlighted her warmth, humor, and passion for life.

The tributes that followed her passing focused not only on her career but also on the impact she had on those closest to her.

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She Is Survived by Family and Loved Ones

Kelly is survived by her husband, playwright and producer Scott Morfee, whom she married in 1989.

She is also survived by Jamie Lee Curtis and several half-siblings from Tony Curtis’ later marriages. Her brother Nicholas Curtis passed away in 1994.

The family has not publicly disclosed a cause of death.

Final Thoughts

Kelly Curtis may have spent much of her life outside the spotlight compared to some members of her famous family, but her contributions to film, television, and the lives of those around her left a lasting impact. Through acting, production work, and her close relationships, she built a legacy defined by creativity, warmth, and individuality.

As tributes continue pouring in, many are remembering not only Kelly’s work on screen but also the loving sister, wife, friend, and family member described so vividly by Jamie Lee Curtis. Her passing marks the loss of a unique figure whose presence touched many lives throughout her 69 years.

FAQs

Q1. Who was Kelly Curtis?
Kelly Curtis was an actress, producer, and the older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis. She was also the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

Q2. How old was Kelly Curtis when she died?
She was 69 years old.

Q3. What movies was Kelly Curtis known for?
She appeared in Trading Places, Magic Sticks, and The Devil’s Daughter, among other projects.

Q4. What did Jamie Lee Curtis say about her sister?
Jamie described Kelly as her “first friend and lifelong confidant” and praised her generosity, curiosity, and talent.

Q5. Was a cause of death announced?
No public cause of death has been disclosed.