'Dallas' Star Priscilla Pointer's Cause of Death Revealed
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Dallas star Priscilla Pointer died on Monday at the age of 100 from natural causes, said her son.
The Context
The actress started out on Broadway, before landing roles in television and film. Most notably, Pointer starred as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on the long-running soap opera Dallas, and she appeared as Mrs. Snell in Stephen King's 1976 horror film Carrie. In the movie, she played the mother of her real-life daughter, Oscar-nominated actress Amy Irving.
Other credits to her name include: Knots Landing, N.Y.P.D., ER, Twilight Zone: The Movie and many more.
Pointer wed director Jules Irving in 1947, and they had three children together: Katie Irving, David Irving and Amy Irving. The couple was married until 1979 when he died of a heart attack, and she later went on to marry The Exorcist and Catch Me If You Can actor Robert Symonds.
Amy Irving (L) and her mother, Priscilla Pointer (R), attend the after-party for the opening night of "A Safe Harbor For Elizabeth Bishop" at Sarabeth's on March 30, 2006 in New York City.
Amy Irving (L) and her mother, Priscilla Pointer (R), attend the after-party for the opening night of "A Safe Harbor For Elizabeth Bishop" at Sarabeth's on March 30, 2006 in New York City.What To Know
On Monday, Amy Irving took to Instagram to announce her mother's death.
"Priscilla Pointer, May 18th, 1924-April 28th, 2025. 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 2 adoring husbands and her many dogs," the statement read. "She most definitely will be missed."
Pointer died at an assisted-living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut of natural causes, director David Irving confirmed to USA TODAY.
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 1994, Amy Irving spoke out about about her upbringing.
"I can't imagine a more wonderful way of growing up. Instead of using babysitters, Mama would put us in the front row where she could watch us from the stage," the now-71-year-old said. "My father was an amazing artistic director, and the values of the Actor's Workshop were special. It was about the work, not money or fame. Things were very disillusioning when I got out into the real world."
Pointer is survived by her three children and her eight grandchildren.
What People Are Saying
Following news of Pointer's death, both celebrities and fans shared tributes on social media.
Fellow Dallas star Victoria Principal wrote via Instagram: "Priscilla Pointer, my favorite TV mama & a wonderful woman, passed away today. My sincere condolences to Amy Irving & all of Priscilla's family. Always a special place in my heart. RIP ❤️🕊️"
Conan house band member Jimmy Vivino commented underneath Amy Irving's Instagram announcement: "Sorry for your loss but what a wonderful long life. So beautiful 💙 Obviously the acorn (which didn't fall far from) is now the tree 🙏🏻"
Fan Donn Swaby posted on Amy Irving's message: "Amy, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your amazingly talented mother from several films from my childhood. Praying for you and your family."
Another fan, Cody Carrera, added: "My condolences to you and your family. She was a force on screen. An absolute talent. What a life well lived and she will be missed. ❤️"
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