Ridgefield, Connecticut, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Priscilla Pointer, a celebrated actress known for her role in ‘Dallas’ and the film ‘Carrie,’ has died at the age of 100 in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Pointer’s death was confirmed by her son, David Irving. She was remembered for her long-standing career in both film and theater, and her co-founding of the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop. Pointer leaves behind three children, including actress Amy Irving, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ridgefield, Connecticut — Priscilla Pointer, a veteran stage and screen actress known for her recurring role on the CBS series Dallas and for appearing in the film Carrie, died Monday at an assisted living facility in Ridgefield at the age of 100. Her death was confirmed by her son, writer-director David Irving.
What happened
Pointer passed away peacefully in her sleep, according to a public posting by her daughter, actress Amy Irving. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on May 18, 2024, just months before her death. Pointer is survived by three children, including Amy Irving, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Most notable roles and career highlights
Pointer was widely recognized for her television role as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on the prime-time series Dallas, a part that placed her among the show’s memorable supporting cast. Her character was written out of the series in a dramatic midair plane collision during the show’s sixth season.
In film, Pointer is known for portraying Mrs. Snell, the mother of the character played by her daughter Amy Irving, in the 1976 film Carrie. She appeared alongside her daughter in six films, including Honeysuckle Rose (1980) and Micki + Maude (1984). Other film credits spanned a range of genres and included Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Blue Velvet (1986), and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987).
On television, Pointer guest-starred on series such as The Rockford Files and ER, and held a recurring role on L.A. Law. Her career encompassed both stage and screen work, reflecting steady activity across decades.
Early life and theater work
Priscilla Pointer was born in New York City on May 18, 1924, to artist parents. She made her Broadway debut in 1965 in a revival of Danton’s Death. Earlier, in 1952, she co-founded the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop with her first husband, Jules Irving, and actress Beatrice Manley, helping to establish an influential regional theater presence during the mid-20th century.
Personal life
Pointer was married to director Jules Irving from 1947 until his death in 1979. She later married actor Robert Symonds in 1981. Her children include actress Amy Irving and writer-director David Irving. At the time of her death, Pointer’s family included multiple generations of descendants who survive her.
Legacy and significance
Pointer’s career is notable for its longevity and for collaborations with family members on-screen. Her work ranged from stage productions and television series to a variety of film roles in both mainstream and cult cinema. Co-founding the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop positioned her as part of a postwar movement that helped expand regional theater in the United States.
Additional facts
- Birth: May 18, 1924, New York City.
- Death: Monday, at an assisted living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut; age 100.
- Notable TV role: Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on Dallas.
- Notable film roles: Mrs. Snell in Carrie (1976); appearances in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Blue Velvet, and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, among others.
- Theater: Co-founder of the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop; Broadway debut in 1965.
- Family: Married to Jules Irving (1947–1979) and later Robert Symonds (from 1981); survived by three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
FAQ
Who was Priscilla Pointer?
Priscilla Pointer was an American actress whose career included stage work, television and film roles. She co-founded the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop and appeared on Broadway, in films such as Carrie, and on television series including Dallas.
When and where did she die?
She died on a Monday at an assisted living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut, at the age of 100.
What were her most famous roles?
Her best-known television role was Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on Dallas. In film, she is widely recognized for her part in Carrie (1976) and for appearances in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Blue Velvet, and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
How old was she?
Priscilla Pointer was 100 years old; she celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2024.
Who survives her?
She is survived by three children, including actress Amy Irving, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Did Pointer have a theater background?
Yes. She co-founded the San Francisco Actor’s Workshop in 1952 and made her Broadway debut in 1965 in a revival of Danton’s Death.
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | May 18, 1924 | Born in New York City to artist parents |
| Death | June 2024 (aged 100) | Died at an assisted living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut |
| Notable TV role | Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on Dallas | Character killed in a midair plane collision (season six) |
| Notable film roles | Carrie (1976); Looking for Mr. Goodbar; Blue Velvet; A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 | Appeared in six films with daughter Amy Irving |
| Theater | Co-founder, San Francisco Actor’s Workshop; Broadway debut in 1965 | Workshop founded in 1952 with Jules Irving and Beatrice Manley |
| Family | Married Jules Irving (1947–1979); married Robert Symonds (from 1981) | Survived by three children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren |
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