Louise Fletcher, the Oscar-winning actress known for her iconic role of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, has died aged 88.
Fletcher died in her sleep surrounded by family at her home in Montdurausse, France, her agent David Shaul told The Associated Press. No cause of death was given.
The much-loved actress was in her early 40s when she was picked to play the part of Nurse Ratched opposite Nicholson in the popular 1975 American psychological comedy drama film directed by Miloš Forman.
Fletcher went on to win the Academy Award for best actress, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
During her heartwarming Oscars acceptance speech she became the first person to use sign language and used the moment to speak directly to her deaf parents.
"I want to thank you for teaching me to have a dream. You are seeing my dream come true," she signed.
After starring in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Fletcher went on to feature in a string of movies including, Mama Dracula, Dead Kids and The Boy Who Could Fly.
She was nominated for Emmys for her guest roles on the TV series Joan of Arcadia and Picket Fences, and had a regular role as Bajoran religious leader Kai Winn Adami in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Fletcher was wed to Hollywood literary agent Jerry Bick - who passed away in 2004 - but the pair parted ways in 1977.
She is survived by two sons, John Dashiell Bick and Andrew Wilson Bick.
