Diane Cilento – Oscar-Nominated Actress Dead at 78

She was never a major star and was probably best know as the wife of Sean Connery, but Diane Cilento did receive an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for playing Molly Seagrim in TOM JONES in 1963. She acted in many films in a career that spanned over 40 years including a key role in the cult fave THE WICKER MAN in 1973. Ms Cilento died yesterday at age 78.

From USA Today Online:

SYDNEY (AP) Oscar-nominated Australian actress Diane Cilento, who was once married to James Bond actor Sean Connery, has died in northern Australia, an official said Friday. She was 78. Cilento, a veteran of dozens of films, television shows and stage productions, died Thursday night, Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said.

No cause of death was given.

The Queensland-born actress rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, starring alongside screen legends such as Charlton Heston and Paul Newman. In 1956, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Helen of Troy in the play Tiger at the Gates. She received an Academy Award nomination in 1963 for best supporting actress for her work in the movie Tom Jones………

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