Glenne Headly, the Emmy-nominated TV actress and star of films such as Dick Tracy and Mr. Holland’s Opus, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. She was 62.
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Glenne Headly,” her reps said Friday in a statement. “We ask that her family’s privacy be respected in this difficult time.” No cause of death was given.
Headly, who most recently appeared on the big screen in The Circle and in HBO’s limited series The Night Of, was in production on the Hulu series Future Man. She was starring alongside Josh Hutcherson, Ed Begley Jr., Eliza Coupe and Derek Wilson in the comedy created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible news,” Hulu said in a statement. “Glenne was a tremendous talent, and an even more extraordinary person. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones.” Rogen added on Twitter that he was devastated. “She was an amazing person. Incredibly talented. Incredibly kind. I will miss her,” he wrote.
Future Man remains in production on its 13-episode season. Sources say the series has filmed five episodes — and she is in all five of them. Creatively, producers plan to work around her and will not recast the role.
The show also sent along a statement from the executive producers and entire cast and crew: “[Glenne] was funny, interesting, warm, smart, engaging and very, very talented. Working with her was both an honor and a pleasure. She will be sorely missed.”
Hutcherson took to his Instagram to pay tribute: “I only knew the talented, empathetic, loving, beautiful Glenne Headly for a short time. She was powerful and strong and hilarious. Her eyes brought to life so many amazing characters over the years and her love brought to life a beautiful family. I’m gonna miss her presence, her smile, and the way she made me feel like her son before, between, and after they called action and cut. Grab onto those who make you feel loved. My heart is broken today and I can only imagine what those closest to her are going through. My broken heart goes out to all of you as well.”
Headly starred in such films as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) and Sgt. Bilko (1996) — both alongside Steve Martin — as well as Dick Tracy (1990) with Warren Beatty and Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) with Richard Dreyfus. She played the mom to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s titular character in 2013’s Don Jon.
Martin took to Twitter to say, “Our household mourns the sudden loss of beloved friend, actress, and comic genius, Glenne Headly.”
In the Tom Hanks-starrer The Circle, which was released earlier this year, Headly and Bill Paxton played the parents of Emma Watson’s character. Paxton passed away in February.
Headly was nominated for an Emmy for the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove and went on to play memorable TV roles as Dr. Abby Keaton on NBC’s ER and Karen Stottlemeyer on USA’s Monk.
She began acting in stage productions, including Arms & the Man, which was directed by her ex-husband John Malkovich, and was an originating member of the Steppenwolf theatre company.
She is survived by her husband Byron McCulloch and son Stirling.
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Film, TV and theater stars reacted to the news on social media.
Rest In Peace, Glenne Headly, you brilliant woman…
You were one of the greats. Sending love and strength to your loved ones.— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) June 9, 2017
RIP the beautiful Glenne Headly. So charming, talented and kind. My first, “movie mom”.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) June 9, 2017
Devastated to hear about Glenne Headly’s passing. She was an amazing person. Incredibly talented. Incredibly kind. I will miss her.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) June 9, 2017
I only knew the talented, empathetic, loving, beautiful Glenne Headly for a short time. She was… https://t.co/uiLKEekOng
— Josh Hutcherson (@jhutch1992) June 9, 2017
Terrible news about Glenne Headly. A fine actress and a good person. RIP.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 9, 2017
I was inspired by a group of actors that created one of the premier theater companies, Steppenwolf. Glenn Headley was one. Great actor RIP
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 9, 2017
More than an incredibly versatile talented actress, #GlenneHeadley was a wonderful mother, a sweet and good friend, and an angel to all. https://t.co/vOtdbbCgrN
— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) June 9, 2017
RIP Glenne Headley. Your performance in “Balm in Gilead” taught me how to listen onstage. We will miss you and your artistry.
— Kevin Chamberlin (@kevinchamberlin) June 9, 2017
So saddened to hear of the death of Glenne Headly
Always loved to watch her work.
Always. https://t.co/A2tme20R2M
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) June 9, 2017
I am torn apart by the news that dearest Glenne Headly has passed. Pained to tears! Much to early! Rest In Peace my dearest #sosayweall!
— Edward James Olmos (@edwardjolmos) June 9, 2017
Oh no. So sad to hear that Glenne Headly passed away. We must have made our dad watch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with us 100 times. 🙁 RIP
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) June 9, 2017
I am shocked and so sad to learn my sweet friend Glenne Headley’s passing. A beautiful light taken too soon. My love to her family and fans.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 9, 2017
Our household mourns the sudden loss of beloved friend, actress, and comic genius, Glenne Headly.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) June 9, 2017
Glenne Headly was always GREAT. I had the honor of working with her, & am deeply saddened that she’s gone. My thoughts are with her family
— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) June 9, 2017
RIP Glenne Headly. What a beautiful soul, an absolute talent. Heart broken.
— Steve Howey (@stevehowey) June 9, 2017
June 9, 1:48 p.m. An earlier version incorrectly said that Glenne Headly was 63 at the time of her death. She was 62. The Hollywood Reporter regrets the error.
