Louise Fletcher was an American actress who is best known for her role as Nurse Mildred Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which earned her an Academy Award, as well as notable performances in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Picket Fences.
Personal and Family Life
Born Estelle Louise Fletcher on July 22, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, she was raised in a household where both parents were deaf. This unique upbringing influenced her learning sign language early on. Fletcher graduated from the University of North Carolina and initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, where she took on temporary jobs while attending acting classes.
Career
After stepping back from acting to raise her two sons, Fletcher made a successful return to the industry in the mid-1970s. Her portrayal of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest thrust her into the spotlight, earning her numerous accolades. Throughout her career, she appeared in various films and TV shows, becoming a familiar face to audiences across generations.
Death and Legacy
Louise Fletcher passed away on September 23, 2022, in Montdurausse, Tarn, France, due to natural causes. Her legacy lives on through her iconic roles, particularly Nurse Ratched, which remains a significant part of cinematic history. Fletcher is remembered not only for her performances but also for the impact she had as a female actor in a male-dominated industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest | 1975-11-19 | Nurse Mildred Ratched |
| Cruel Intentions | 1999-03-05 | Helen Rosemond |
| The Player | 1992-04-03 | Louise Fletcher |
| Firestarter | 1984-05-11 | Norma Manders |
| Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | 1993-01-03 | Vedek Winn |