Penelope Milford (1948-2025)
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Actress Penelope Milford passed away on October 14 at the age of 77. Although best known for her role as Vi Munson in the film COMING HOME (1978 Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination), Penelope spent time in Chicago on stage as well as teaching acting. Her Chicago area theatre credits include MY OWN STRANGER, an early production at Writers Theatre at Books on Vernon.
On Broadway, Penelope joined the cast of LENNY in 1972 and originated the role of Jenny Anderson in SHENANDOAH, earning a Drama Desk nomination in 1975. Additionally, she appeared off-Broadway in FISHING at Second Stage and with Richard Gere in the musical LONG TIME COMING AND A LONG TIME GONE at the Fortune Theatre. Penelope’s film roles included MAIDSTONE, ENDLESS LOVE, VALENTINO, THE LAST WORD, COLD JUSTICE, NORMAL LIFE, HENRY” PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER, PART II and HEATHERS. Her TV work included THE BURNING BED, SEIZURE: THE STORY OF KATHY MORRIS, THE OLDEST LIVING GRADUATE, and ROSIE: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY STORY. In addition to her work on screens and stage, Penelope spent time teaching and in community performance. She taught acting in Chicago and Minneapolis, performed with local theaters in Saugerties (NY), where she had moved in 2003, and sang with the Bard Symphonic Chorus. Born March 23, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, Penelope Dale Milford grew up in Illinois and graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka. Her parents were Richard George Milford and Ann Marie (née Felt). She is survived by her brother Douglas Milford and sister Candace Saint, as well as three nieces and nephews. Her younger brother, Richard Kim Milford, an actor and musician, predeceased her in 1980. Per Rex Emerson — “Penelope Milford’s career was defined not by spectacle, but by sincerity. Whether on the stage, on screen, or in the classroom, she approached her work with integrity and a quiet courage that touched all who knew her. Her performances remain a testament to the subtle, transformative power of empathy in art.” |