Kim Stanley, born Patricia Kimberley Reid, was an American actress acclaimed for her intense performances in theater, film, and television. A prominent figure on Broadway in the 1950s and a member of the Actors Studio, she became celebrated for roles such as Cherie in *Bus Stop* and Millie Owens in *Picnic*, earning critical acclaim for her emotional depth. Her film career, although not prolific, was marked by memorable performances that earned her two Academy Award nominations: the first for Best Actress for *Séance on a Wet Afternoon* (1964) and the second for Best Supporting Actress for the role of Jessica Lange's mother in *Frances* (1982). Also active in television, she won two Emmy Awards, one for the series *Ben Casey* (1963) and another for her portrayal of Big Mama in the TV movie *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof* (1985). Her ability to portray complex and vulnerable characters established her as one of the most influential actresses of her generation.