In her 88th year, Louise Fletcher passed away. The One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest star reportedly passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 23. At this moment, we don’t know what killed Fletcher, but she certainly leaves behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished actresses in cinematic history. The actress’s fruitful career lasted for more than sixty years. Fletcher has starred in several classic genre films throughout the years, such as Exorcist II: The Heretic, Firestarter, and Cruel Intentions. The actress also had a successful career on television, appearing in shows like Lawman and Maverick and movies like The Untouchables.
In following years, Fletcher would appear on such shows as 7th Heaven, Shameless, and ER, in addition to iconic genre shows like The Twilight Zone (1985) and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In addition, the actress’s guest appearances on Picket Fences and Joan of Arcadia garnered her Emmy nominations. By far, though, Fletcher’s most famous portrayal was as the villainous Nurse Ratched in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Fletcher appeared among Hollywood heavyweights like Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito in the iconic film adaptation of the 1962 novel of the same name, and she more than held her own.
Fletcher’s portrayal is so memorable because it is so bleak and twisted even now. There was nothing like what she brought to the job at the time. Cuckoo’s Nest went on to win five Academy Awards with its support. Included here are Fletcher’s Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards. It’s safe to say that Ratched is among the most terrifying movie villains of all time. Fletcher lent the part a chilling understated force that gets under your skin more with each viewing.
Fletcher deftly tapped into a form of misuse of power that is tragically still prevalent in our society through her villainous persona. The last scene is so horrifying that it has stuck in moviegoers’ imaginations for over 50 years; they will never forget what Ratched does to Jack Nicholson’s character. Among all movies, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” ranks high. That’s highly relevant to Fletcher’s situation. Although she terrified audiences, her portrayal of a strong female lead during a period when such roles rarely inspired a new generation of performers.
You can see the same dedication to playing a brilliant villain across her whole oeuvre. Fletcher had a remarkable career, and characters like Nurse Ratched ensure that her impact will be remembered for years to come. In the following days, we will hear the details of her passing, but in the meantime, please know that Fletcher and her loved ones are in our prayers.