Who Is Sondra Locke? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 28, 1944, Sondra Locke was an American actress who rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s. She captivated audiences with her powerful performances in films such as "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," "Willow Run," and her collaborations with Clint Eastwood, including "Play Misty for Me" and "The Gauntlet." Locke was recognized for her roles in both film and television, earning numerous accolades throughout her career.
In 2025, Sondra would have been 81 years old if she were still alive. Although she passed away on November 3, 2018, her contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1944 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Shelbyville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 November, 2018 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Sondra Locke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sondra Locke had a striking physical presence. Although the specifics may vary depending on the source, she was reportedly around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighed approximately 125 pounds (57 kg). Her measurements were often celebrated for their classic Hollywood appeal.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Sondra Locke was known for her high-profile relationships, most notably with Clint Eastwood. The couple had a romantic relationship that spanned over 13 years but never culminated in marriage. Locke was also candid about the challenges she faced in relationships, navigating both love and betrayal throughout her life.
While there are no current dating rumors or relationships to report in 2025, Locke’s past experiences and her connection with Eastwood continue to be an influential part of her legacy.
Locke's persona belied her age. She claimed to have been born several years later than 1944, often playing roles written for women far younger than herself, and kept her true age a secret throughout her career.
For reasons never made clear, her death was not publicly announced and was only confirmed by vital statistics six weeks after she died of cardiac arrest at the age of 74. From 1967 until her death, Locke was the wife of sculptor Gordon Leigh Anderson, in a mixed-orientation union they reputedly never consummated.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Sondra Locke's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. Her wealth primarily stemmed from her long and varied acting career, along with directorial credits and production work. As of 2025, her earnings have stood the test of time, reflecting her noteworthy contributions to the film industry.
By 1968, advertising for Heart was prolific; the film came out that summer to critical acclaim but only modest grosses. Locke's performance garnered her an Academy Award nomination, as well as a pair of Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer – Female.
Being the oldest nominee in the latter category, she concealed this distinction through retconning with aid from studio publicists. At a film exhibitor convention in Kansas City, she won the Show-A-Rama Award from the Motion Picture Association of America as "Most Promising New Star of the Year".
Although her salary for the film was reported as $15,000 in contemporary articles, Locke later claimed it was less than one-third that amount.
Career, Business and Investments
Sondra Locke's career began in the 1960s and saw her rise to fame through various critically acclaimed performances. Beyond acting, she directed several projects, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment realm. Locke's entrepreneurial ventures included her work as a producer and director in independent films, further solidifying her influence in Hollywood.
Notably, she was involved in legal disputes with Clint Eastwood, which also highlighted her commitment to fighting for her rights and legacy in the industry. Though her career faced ups and downs, Locke's resilience and creative spirit allowed her to leave a lasting mark.
An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University, Locke broke into regional show business with assorted posts at the Nashville-based radio station WSM-AM, then segued into television as a promotions assistant for WSM-TV. She performed in the theater company Circle Players Inc. while employed at WSM.
In 1968, she made her film debut in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and earned dual Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress and New Star of the Year.
Social Network
Sondra Locke was not as active on social media as many contemporary celebrities today. However, her legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and film enthusiasts across various platforms. Tributes and discussions about her life, career, and contributions to cinema can still be found across social networks such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
In July 1967, Locke competed with 590 other Southern actresses and dozens of New York hopefuls for the part of Mick Kelly in a big-screen adaptation of Carson McCullers' novel The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter opposite Alan Arkin.
For the first audition in Birmingham, Alabama, then-fiancé Gordon Anderson gave his bride a so-called Hollywood makeover; he bound her bosom, bleached her eyebrows, and carefully fixed her hair, makeup, and outfit so as to create a more gamine appearance.
Locke lied about her age, shaving off six years to make herself seem younger—a pretense she would keep up not only for the rest of her career, but also the entirety of her public life. After callbacks in New Orleans and Manhattan, she was cast in the role by recommendation from entertainment coordinator Marion Dougherty.
The film's shooting wrapped in the fall of 1967. Locke, who had quit her post at WSM, opted to wait until its release before choosing a follow-up project. In the nine-month interim, she was asked to play the female protagonists in True Grit and Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point.
She said she turned down the former on the grounds that it was too similar to the role she had just done, and the latter because of the nudity required.
Education
During her formative years, Sondra Locke attended the University of Tennessee, where she honed her skills in drama. Her education laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in acting and directing, contributing to her success on the big screen.
In conclusion, Sondra Locke's legacy endures as a testament to her talent, strength, and the indelible mark she left on Hollywood. As we reflect on her life and achievements in 2025, we celebrate the numerous ways she inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
