Laurie Bird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurie Bird
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Bird in 1971
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| Born | September 26, 1953 Glen Cove, New York, U.S.
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| Died | June 15, 1979 (aged 25) New York City, U.S.
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| Burial place | Flushing Cemetery, Queens, New York City |
| Other names | Lauri Bird |
| Occupation | Film actor, photographer |
Laurie Bird (born September 26, 1953 – died June 15, 1979) was an American film actress and photographer. She appeared in three movies during the 1970s. Two of these films were directed by Monte Hellman. She was also a talented photographer.
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Early life and background
Laurie Bird was born in Glen Cove, New York. Her father was an electrical engineer. She grew up with two older brothers. Her father was very strict, which led her to leave home several times. She attended Jamaica High School in New York City until she was 15 years old.
Acting and photography career
A Hollywood writer named Dick Kleiner once said Laurie Bird looked "like an innocent Hayley Mills". She acted in only three movies. Her first film was Two-Lane Blacktop in 1971. In this movie, she played a hitchhiker. The main characters are interested in her at first. But she leaves with a motorcyclist later in the film. In 2012, Two-Lane Blacktop was chosen for the United States National Film Registry. This means it is an important film to keep safe.
Her second movie was Cockfighter in 1974. In this film, she acted alongside Warren Oates. Laurie Bird also worked as the still photographer for Cockfighter. This means she took photos on the movie set. A film critic named Michael Atkinson wrote that Laurie Bird made a big impression in her two films. He said she left a stronger mark than many actors do in their whole careers.
Laurie Bird also had a small part in the romantic comedy Annie Hall (1977). She played the girlfriend of a character played by Paul Simon. Besides movies, she took the cover photo for Art Garfunkel's 1977 music album, Watermark. She also appeared on the cover of his 1975 album, Breakaway.
Relationships and remembrance
Laurie Bird was in a romantic relationship with Monte Hellman. He directed her in Two-Lane Blacktop and Cockfighter. From 1974 until her death in 1979, she was also in a serious relationship with the singer Art Garfunkel.
Laurie Bird is remembered in several ways. Her picture is on the cover of Art Garfunkel's 1975 album Breakaway. Garfunkel's 1981 album Scissors Cut was "dedicated to you, Bird". It also had a photo of her on its back cover.
Her relationship with Garfunkel was mentioned in his 1988 album Lefty. It was also in his book of poems called Still Water. Monte Hellman dedicated his 2010 film Road to Nowhere to Laurie Bird. Author Tim Kinsella wrote a novel in 2014 called Let Go and Go On and On. The book's subtitle says it is "Based on the roles of Laurie Bird".
Images for kids
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Bird in 1971
See also
In Spanish: Laurie Bird para niños
