Hollywood legend and 'Dallas' star dies at 100, reveals little-known life and legacy
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A shining presence in the entertainment world has come to a close, as a revered figure—known for her grace, talent, and lasting impact—passed away peacefully at age 100.
Though many remember her for a standout role in a well-known television drama, her life and career stretched far wider, touching generations across stage and screen.
Born in May 1924 in New York City to artist parents Augusta and Kenneth Pointer, Priscilla Pointer was destined for a life in the creative arts.
From an early age, she was surrounded by the world of painting, music, and theatre—a foundation that would shape her artistic journey.
Her passion for acting led her to the stage, where she honed her craft in classic productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire, The Country Wife, and The Condemned of Altona.
These early years in theatre established her as a formidable talent and instilled in her a lifelong love for live performance.
Pointer’s first foray into television came in 1954, with a role in the adventure drama The New Adventures of China Smith.
This marked the beginning of a prolific career on the small screen, with appearances throughout the 1970s in popular series like McCloud, The Rockford Files, Kojak, Police Woman, and Phyllis.
Her versatility and presence made her a familiar face to audiences across the country.
In the mid-1970s, Priscilla made the leap to film, with roles in The Great Texas Dynamite Chase, Nickelodeon, and, most notably, the horror classic Carrie.
In a unique twist, she shared the screen with her daughter, Amy Irving—Priscilla played the mother of Amy’s character, Sue Snell.
This collaboration was just one example of the close-knit, creative family she nurtured.
For many Australians, Priscilla Pointer will always be remembered as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth, the strong-willed matriarch on 'Dallas.'
Her portrayal from 1981 to 1983 brought depth and gravitas to the role, earning her a place in the hearts of soap opera fans worldwide.
Her character’s dramatic storylines and emotional performances were a highlight of the series’ golden years.
Priscilla’s legacy extends far beyond her own achievements. She was the proud mother of three children: actress Amy Irving, director David Irving, and Katie Irving.
Her marriage to fellow actor and director Jules Irving was a true partnership, both personally and professionally.
Together, they founded the Actor’s Workshop in San Francisco, a theatre company that became a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene.
Their shared passion for the arts was passed down to their children, making the Irving family a true dynasty in American theatre and film.
Even as she entered her later years, Priscilla never lost her love for acting. She continued to appear in television series throughout the 1990s, including The Flash, ER, and Touched by an Angel.
Her final role was a voiceover in the 2008 TV movie Sweet Nothing in My Ear, starring Jeff Daniels—a fitting end to a career that spanned more than five decades.
Priscilla’s passing was confirmed by her son, David Irving, who shared that she died of natural causes at an assisted-living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Her daughter, Amy Irving, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing cherished family photos and writing:
'Priscilla Pointer, acclaimed stage television and film actress, and mother of David, Katie, and Amy Irving, died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100, hopefully to run off with her two adoring husbands and her many dogs. She most definitely will be missed.'
Priscilla Pointer’s story is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. She broke barriers for women in the arts, balanced a thriving career with motherhood, and inspired generations of performers.
Her influence can still be felt today, not only through her own work but through the ongoing achievements of her children and the countless actors she mentored.
As we reflect on Priscilla’s extraordinary life, we’re reminded of the power of the arts to bring people together, heal, and inspire.
Her journey from New York's stages to Hollywood's sets is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity.
Credit: YouTube
Did you watch Priscilla Pointer on 'Dallas' or in her other roles? Do you have a favourite memory of her performances, or perhaps a story about how her work touched your life? We’d love to hear your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.
Though many remember her for a standout role in a well-known television drama, her life and career stretched far wider, touching generations across stage and screen.
Born in May 1924 in New York City to artist parents Augusta and Kenneth Pointer, Priscilla Pointer was destined for a life in the creative arts.
From an early age, she was surrounded by the world of painting, music, and theatre—a foundation that would shape her artistic journey.
Her passion for acting led her to the stage, where she honed her craft in classic productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire, The Country Wife, and The Condemned of Altona.
Actress Priscilla Pointer, known for roles in Dallas and as Amy Irving’s mother, was remembered after dying at 100 from natural causes. Credit: @amyirvingofficial / Instagram
These early years in theatre established her as a formidable talent and instilled in her a lifelong love for live performance.
Pointer’s first foray into television came in 1954, with a role in the adventure drama The New Adventures of China Smith.
This marked the beginning of a prolific career on the small screen, with appearances throughout the 1970s in popular series like McCloud, The Rockford Files, Kojak, Police Woman, and Phyllis.
Her versatility and presence made her a familiar face to audiences across the country.
In the mid-1970s, Priscilla made the leap to film, with roles in The Great Texas Dynamite Chase, Nickelodeon, and, most notably, the horror classic Carrie.
In a unique twist, she shared the screen with her daughter, Amy Irving—Priscilla played the mother of Amy’s character, Sue Snell.
This collaboration was just one example of the close-knit, creative family she nurtured.
For many Australians, Priscilla Pointer will always be remembered as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth, the strong-willed matriarch on 'Dallas.'
Her portrayal from 1981 to 1983 brought depth and gravitas to the role, earning her a place in the hearts of soap opera fans worldwide.
Priscilla’s legacy extends far beyond her own achievements. She was the proud mother of three children: actress Amy Irving, director David Irving, and Katie Irving.
Her marriage to fellow actor and director Jules Irving was a true partnership, both personally and professionally.
Together, they founded the Actor’s Workshop in San Francisco, a theatre company that became a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene.
Their shared passion for the arts was passed down to their children, making the Irving family a true dynasty in American theatre and film.
Even as she entered her later years, Priscilla never lost her love for acting. She continued to appear in television series throughout the 1990s, including The Flash, ER, and Touched by an Angel.
Priscilla’s passing was confirmed by her son, David Irving, who shared that she died of natural causes at an assisted-living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Her daughter, Amy Irving, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing cherished family photos and writing:
'Priscilla Pointer, acclaimed stage television and film actress, and mother of David, Katie, and Amy Irving, died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100, hopefully to run off with her two adoring husbands and her many dogs. She most definitely will be missed.'
Priscilla Pointer’s story is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. She broke barriers for women in the arts, balanced a thriving career with motherhood, and inspired generations of performers.
As we reflect on Priscilla’s extraordinary life, we’re reminded of the power of the arts to bring people together, heal, and inspire.
Her journey from New York's stages to Hollywood's sets is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity.
Credit: YouTube
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my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
