Renowned American actress Sondra Locke, nominated for an Oscar in 1968 for her exceptional performance in "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" and known for her 14-year partnership with filmmaker Clint Eastwood, succumbed to br-ast cancer at the age of 74 in California.
News of Locke's demise, which occurred over a month ago, only surfaced on Thursday night, as the Associated Press obtained access to her death certificate, revealing that she battled both br-ast and bone cancer.
Locke, recognized for her Oscar-nominated role as best supporting actress in the film adaptation of Carson McCullers' novel "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" (1968), considered the experience her cinematic debut. In her own words to Variety in 1978, she expressed, "I had never been on a set, but it was like coming home."
A pivotal moment in Locke's career unfolded in 1976 when she portrayed Eastwood's partner in "The Outlaw Josey Wales." This marked the beginning of a 14-year professional and personal partnership with Eastwood, concluding with their separation in 1989, which was marked by protracted legal disputes.
Profile
Sondra Locke was an American actress and director, born on May 28, 1944, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. She began her acting career in the 1968 film "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in her debut role. Locke's early success set the stage for a multifaceted career that spanned acting, directing, and writing.
One of the turning points in Locke's career came in 1976 when she played a key role in "The Outlaw Josey Wales," directed by and co-starring Clint Eastwood. This marked the beginning of a 14-year personal and professional partnership with Eastwood, during which Locke collaborated on several films. However, their relationship ended in 1989 amidst legal battles.
Apart from her acting career, Locke demonstrated her versatility by venturing into directing. In 1986, she directed her first feature film, "Ratboy," and later went on to direct other projects, showcasing her talents behind the camera.
