Priscilla Pointer, 'Dallas' Actress, Dies at 100
Priscilla Pointer, acclaimed actress best known for her roles in Dallas and Carrie, has died peacefully at the age of 100. Priscilla Pointer's obituary was confirmed by her family, who shared that she passed away in her sleep on April 28, 2025, at an assisted-living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Pointer wasn’t just a recognizable face from beloved film and television roles. She was also the proud mother of actress Amy Irving and director David Irving. Known for her warmth, talent, and a long career that stretched across decades, she leaves behind a legacy that resonated with fans of both stage and screen.
Priscilla Pointer, Mother of Amy Irving and 'Dallas' Actress, Dies at 100
Born in May 1924 in New York City to artists Augusta and Kenneth Pointer, Priscilla was seemingly destined for a creative life. Her early career began in theater, where she honed her craft in productions like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Condemned of Altona. She had a commanding presence that translated beautifully from stage to screen.
Pointer’s television debut came in 1954 with a role on The New Adventures of China Smith, but it was the 1970s that really saw her step into the spotlight. She guest-starred in hit series like Kojak, McCloud, and The Rockford Files, proving her ability to adapt to any role with ease and grace.
Priscilla Pointer, Carrie Actress with a Personal Twist
Horror fans will especially remember Priscilla Pointer, Carrie actress extraordinaire, for her role as the mother of Sue Snell in the 1976 film. In a unique twist of casting, her real-life daughter Amy Irving played Sue, a collaboration that brought an extra layer of emotional authenticity to the film.
This wasn’t the only time Pointer and Irving would work together. Years later, they appeared in Rumpelstiltskin (1987), a whimsical musical directed by Pointer’s son, David Irving. The film showcased the Irving family's creative synergy, with Priscilla proving once again that talent ran deep in the Pointer-Irving lineage.
The Iconic Priscilla Pointer: Dallas Actress and Soap Opera Star
Of course, no Priscilla Pointer obituary would be complete without mentioning her unforgettable role as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth on Dallas. From 1981 to 1983, she brought depth and drama to the beloved soap, playing the strong-willed mother of Cliff Barnes. Priscilla Pointer, Dallas actress, became a household name among fans of the show, and her performance left a lasting mark on the series.
Throughout the '80s and '90s, she continued to grace television screens with appearances in ER, Touched by an Angel, and The Flash, among others. Even as time passed, Pointer’s dedication to storytelling never wavered.
Amy Irving’s Mother, Priscilla Pointer, Remembered
News of Priscilla Pointer’s death in 2025 was met with heartfelt tributes, none more touching than the one shared by Amy Irving. On Instagram, Amy posted a series of cherished family photos and wrote:
“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. She most definitely will be missed.”
The message captured both the humor and deep affection that surrounded Pointer’s personal life. She was a devoted mother, a loving wife (married to fellow actor Jules Irving until his death in 1979), and a woman whose life was rich in love, creativity, and community.
A Life Well Lived at Age 100
Priscilla Pointer, age 100, is more than just a milestone. It’s a testament to a life well-lived. Over the course of a century, she played dozens of memorable characters, shared her talents with generations of viewers, and built a remarkable family with her husband, Jules.
She balanced a busy professional career with a fulfilling personal life, raising three children – Katie, David, and Amy – who each followed their own creative paths. Whether she was lighting up the stage, appearing in a gritty detective show, or collaborating with her kids on a film project, Priscilla brought dedication and warmth to everything she did.
Remembering Priscilla Pointer
As we say goodbye to a truly remarkable woman, Priscilla Pointer reminds us of all she gave to the world – on screen and off. Her performances will live on in the films and shows we continue to watch, and her legacy is forever woven into the fabric of American entertainment.
She may have passed peacefully, but Priscilla will remain alive in the hearts of her fans, family, and all who were truly touched by her presence.