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Barbara Barrie dies by medically assisted suicide at 95
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Barbara Barrie, Oscar-nominated actress known for her role in the 1979 film "Breaking Away," has died at age 95 from terminal cancer, with her passing medically assisted under New York's Medical Aid in Dying law.
- Barrie was an advocate for the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request life-ending medication under strict safeguards.
- She had also been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease causing breathing difficulties, which she publicly disclosed in 2014.
- Barrie's distinguished career included a 1980 Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Tony nomination for her role in the Broadway musical "Company," and acclaimed TV roles including "Suddenly Susan" and "Barney Miller."
- Her notable film credits spanned from "One Potato, Two Potato" to "Private Benjamin," and she received Emmy nominations for appearances on shows such as "Law & Order" and "Breaking Away."
