‘Carrie’ Star Sissy Spacek, Who Turned 74, Ages Gracefully at Ranch after Leaving Hollywood at the Height of Her Fame
Sissy Spacek rose to fame in the 1970s for her iconic roles in films such as “Carrie.” At the peak of her award-winning career, she made a surprising decision — she left Hollywood. Instead, she chose a quieter life in the countryside and shared why she stepped away from the bright lights.
Sissy celebrated her 74th birthday in 2023, showcasing her timeless beauty at a recent event. Despite her long and impressive career, she began to withdraw from the public eye during the 1980s. She has since shared her reasons for leaving Los Angeles and offered insights into her serene life away from Hollywood.
From Texas Roots to Hollywood Stardom
Sissy Spacek, born Mary Elizabeth Spacek in Quitman, Texas, grew up enjoying the outdoors, climbing trees, riding horses, and playing in the woods. Her high school years were marked by her vibrant personality and being crowned homecoming queen at Quitman High School.
Sissy Spacek in a publicity portrait for “Prime Cut” in 1972. | Source: Getty Images
After graduating, Sissy’s interest in acting grew, influenced by her cousin, actor Rip Torn. The tragic loss of her brother to leukemia profoundly affected her. She described her grief as “rocket fuel” that made her fearless and helped her focus on what truly mattered.
With newfound determination, Sissy moved to New York City and joined the Actors Studio. She worked as a model and singer, performing in showcases like “The Bitter End” for $10 a night. Her breakthrough came with her role in the 1973 film “Badlands.”
Sissy Spacek on the set of “Badlands,” circa 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Her performance in “Badlands” paved the way for her success. In 1976, she became a household name with her Oscar-nominated role in “Carrie,” playing a humiliated prom queen who unleashes telekinetic powers. To prepare for the role, she immersed herself in the character’s despair, even neglecting basic hygiene to feel “bad about herself.”
Sissy’s portrayal of Carrie made her a star and earned her an Oscar for Best Actress in 1980 for her role in “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” solidifying her status as a respected actress.
Robert De Niro, Sissy Spacek, Robert L. Schwary, and Robert Redford backstage at the Academy Awards on March 31, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Chance Meeting
While working on “Badlands” in 1972, Sissy met Jack Fisk, the art director for the film. Their relationship began with a memorable boat ride during a flash flood, leading them to marry two years later. Though initially skeptical about marriage, they grew closer over time.
Jack and Sissy often collaborated professionally, with notable projects like the 1981 film “Raggedy Man,” directed by Jack. Sissy admired Jack’s artistic talents and dedication, learning much from him about living an artist’s life.
Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk, circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk’s Move to Rural Virginia
In the early 1980s, at the height of her career, Sissy made a surprising choice to step away from Hollywood. She and Jack sold their Topanga Canyon home and moved to a 210-acre horse farm in rural northern Virginia, seeking a more grounded life.
Sissy Spacek and Jack Fisk at the AFI Life Achievement Awards honoring Gene Kelly on March 7, 1985, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sissy wanted to live a regular life with normal people around and provide her children with a natural environment. Their daughters, Schuyler and Madison, enjoyed a childhood free from Hollywood’s pressures, engaging in activities like riding ponies and climbing trees.
In 2024, at 74 years old, Sissy attended the 96th Annual Academy Awards, radiating elegance in an all-black ensemble, showing that farm life suited her well.
Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek at the 96th Annual Oscars on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sissy Spacek’s Daughters Following in Her and Her Husband’s Footsteps
Despite their efforts to shield their children from Hollywood, both daughters pursued careers in the film industry. Schuyler became an actress and musician, while Madison worked as a production designer and art director.
Madison studied painting and video art before designing sets, while Schuyler appreciated her “normal-ish” childhood but had different views growing up. She once told her parents they were “ruining her career” by not living in Los Angeles.
Schuyler Fisk and Sissy Spacek at the premiere of “The Help” on August 9, 2011, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, Schuyler revealed she declined an offer to play her mother’s role in a “Carrie” remake, feeling it wasn’t right for many reasons.
Schuyler Fisk and Sissy Spacek at the premiere of season 3 of “Bloodline” on May 24, 2017, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
The mother-daughter duo often shared beautiful moments on social media, with fans admiring their close bond and timeless beauty.
