Jamie Lee Curtis heartbrokenly announced on Saturday that her elder sister Kelly Curtis has died at the age of just 69. Both sisters were born into Hollywood royalty as the daughters of Some Like It Hot star Tony Curtis and Psycho actress Janet Leigh.
Following in their parents' footsteps, Kelly pursued acting, starring in films such as the 1991 Italian horror picture The Devil's Daughter, directed by Dario Argento. She also worked behind the scenes, serving as a production assistant on Jamie Lee's films Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Cranks, and You Again.
Posting to Instagram on Sunday, Jamie Lee revealed that her sister died at home on Saturday morning but refrained from disclosing the cause. Hailing her sister's 'loving generosity' and 'fierce opinions,' the devastated Halloween star mourned the loss of her 'first friend' and 'lifelong confidante.'
'A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. She passed away this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace,' wrote Jamie Lee. 'She was my first friend and lifelong confidant. She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress. She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go.'
Kelly, Jamie Lee wrote lovingly, 'was proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry and was a devoted American patriot.' Jamie Lee continued: 'She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie.'
The True Lies actress recalled that 'Kelly always signed off any message or fare thee well with a Hungarian blessing…Isten Veled, God is with you.' As such, Jamie Lee concluded her tribute by writing: 'Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I'll see you on down the line.'
The Daily Mail has contacted Curtis's representative for further comment.
