Fans were excited to catch a glimpse of one of Hollywood’s most prolific actresses during a rare public outing in Los Angeles, as the famously private star stepped out for a brief appearance. 

At 77, the actress—best known for playing attorney Meg in 1983’s The Big Chill—appeared in high spirits, flashing a smile while dressed casually in a puffer vest and leggings.

She was seen making her way to the car with the ᴀssistance of a wheeled walker.

Though dressed more casually than her usual red carpet glamour, she still looked a world apart from her iconic role as a soldier in Private Benjamin (1980), where she starred alongside Goldie Hawn. 

It was also a departure from her comedic portrayal of country-western singer Loretta Haggers on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which the Tulsa, Oklahoma native won the 1977 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Can you guess which legendary actress this is? 

Fans were thrilled to spot one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable actresses out and about in Los Angeles , as the notoriously private star made a rare public appearance

At 77, the actress— best known for playing attorney Meg in 1983’s The Big Chill —appeared in high spirits, flashing a warm smile while dressed casually in a puffer vest and leggings

She was seen making her way to the car with the ᴀssistance of a wheeled walker

If you guessed Mary Kay Place, you’re absolutely right!

After graduating from the University of Tulsa, Mary Kay moved to Hollywood with aspirations of acting and writing. 

Place’s career took off when she worked as a production ᴀssistant on The Tim Conway Comedy Hour, which led to her first on-camera role and writing credits for All in the Family. 

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Her big break came when Norman Lear cast her as Loretta Haggers on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976-1977), where she won an Emmy Award for her performance.

In addition to acting, Place contributed scripts to TV comedies like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and MASH*. 

She also hosted Saturday Night Live in 1977, performing alongside Willie Nelson. 

In the late ’70s, she appeared in Martin Scorsese’s New York, New York (1977) and Burt Reynolds’ Starting Over (1979).

Place’s versatility continued in the 1980s and 1990s with standout roles in The Big Chill (1983) and Captain Ron (1992). 

If you guessed Mary Kay Place, you’re absolutely right! (seen in 2020)

Though dressed more casually than her usual red carpet glamour, she still looked a world apart from her iconic role as a soldier in Private Benjamin (1980), where she starred alongside Goldie Hawn 

Place’s versatility continued in the 1980s and 1990s with standout roles in The Big Chill (1983) and Captain Ron (1992)

Mary Kay Place and John Denver  on the ABC tv special ‘John Denver: Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ in 1977

She also hosted Saturday Night Live in 1977, performing alongside Willie Nelson

She also appeared in Citizen Ruth (1996) and The Rainmaker (1997), showcasing her range in both comedic and dramatic roles. 

Her work in Manny & Lo (1996) earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

In the 2000s, Place took on memorable roles in films like Sweet Home Alabama (2002) and Latter Days (2003), while also making appearances in TV shows such as The West Wing and Tales of the City. 

She had recurring roles in Big Love (2006–2011) and Bored to Death (2009). In 2013, she starred in The Breakup Girl and provided the voice for Anne Hathaway’s mother in The Intern (2015).

The actress stepped out for the sunny LA day

After graduating from the University of Tulsa, Mary Kay moved to Hollywood with aspirations of acting and writing

In addition to acting, Place contributed scripts to TV comedies like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and MASH*

In the late ’70s, she appeared in Martin Scorsese’s New York, New York (1977) and Burt Reynolds’ Starting Over (1979)

Place’s versatility continued in the 1980s and 1990s with standout roles in The Big Chill (1983) and Captain Ron (1992)

Her performance in Diane (2018), which was specifically written for her, garnered critical acclaim and earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress from the Los Angeles Film Critics ᴀssociation

In recent years, Place has continued to stay busy, appearing in AJ and the Queen (2020), 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020), and The Prom (2021)

Place continued to shine in a variety of projects, including Grace and Frankie (2015), The Hollars (2016), and State Like Sleep (2018). 

Her performance in Diane (2018), which was specifically written for her, garnered critical acclaim and earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress from the Los Angeles Film Critics ᴀssociation.

In recent years, Place has continued to stay busy, appearing in AJ and the Queen (2020), 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020), and The Prom (2021). 

With her diverse career spanning television, film, and music, Mary Kay Place remains an iconic figure in Hollywood.