Actor Barbara Barrie dies at 95

Oscar-nominated actress Barbara Barrie died at age 95 at her home in New York City.

Her death occurred on Wednesday following a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Her agent, Gary Gersh, confirmed the details in a statement on Thursday. He noted that her passing was medically assisted under the New York State Medical Aid in Dying law. Barrie had been an active advocate for the legislation.

The statute became effective on Aug. 5. It permits terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to receive a self-administered prescription to end their lives. Barrie’s daughter, Jane Harnick, told The New York Times that her mother also suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This interstitial lung disease causes breathing issues, fatigue, and weight loss.

Barrie spoke about her health challenges in a 2014 interview with Playbill. She described her situation as having a full and active life while facing an unknown future. She stated she was living full steam ahead and trying to help others do the same.

She is best known for her performance as Evelyn Stohler in the 1979 film Breaking Away. That role earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for best supporting actress. In 1971, she received a Tony Award nomination for best featured actress in a musical for Company. Her stage credits also included The Selling of the President and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

Television work generated further recognition for Barrie. She received Emmy nominations for her appearances in Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She also appeared in the television series Breaking Away, which was based on the original movie. Other notable credits include the film Private Benjamin and the series Double Trouble and Suddenly Susan.