Susan Tyrrell | Oscar nominee, 67

Oscar-nominated actress Susan Tyrrell, 67, known for roles in offbeat films including John Waters' Cry-Baby, died at her home in Austin, Texas, on Saturday.

A niece, Amy Sweet, told the Associated Press that Ms. Tyrrell died in her sleep. A Travis County Medical Examiner's Office official said a cause of death was pending.

"She had a larger-than-life personality," said David Zellner, who directed Ms. Tyrrell in Kid-Thing, which is making the rounds at film festivals. "She had more adventures and experiences in her life than most anyone I know."

The movie is about a 10-year-old delinquent girl who lives in the Texas countryside and happens across a mysterious woman, played by Ms. Tyrrell, in a well, Zellner said.

Ms. Tyrrell received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her role as a barfly in John Huston's 1972 boxing movie, Fat City. She appeared in more than 75 movies and TV shows.

Ms. Tyrrell spent the last 12 years in a wheelchair after her legs were amputated below the knee as a result of complications from a blood-clotting disorder. - AP