New York, Oct. 16 -- American stage and film actor Penelope Milford, who bagged the Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in 1979, has passed away at 77.

According to Variety, Penelope Milford took her last breath in Saugerties, New York, as confirmed by her brother, Doug Milford. The cause of her death remains unknown.

Milford, whose professional career began on the New York stage in 1971, co-starred opposite Richard Gere in an Off-Broadway production of 'Long Time Coming and a Long Time Gone'. It is based on the life of musician-novelist Richard Farina.

Later in 1972, Milford made her Broadway debut in Julian Barry's Tony Award-winning play titled 'Lenny'. She also received a Drama Desk Featured Actress in a Musical nomination for...