'M*A*S*H' Star Sally Kellerman Became A Mother Again At 52 Through Adoption

Apr 21, 2022

Actress Sally Kellerman became a household name in 1970 for her portrayal of Major Margaret J "Hot Lips" Houlihan in Robert Altman's film, "M*A*S*H." Kellerman's role in the film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Although Kellerman didn't win the Oscar, the role opened up numerous opportunities for the rising star. 

The Oscar-nominated actress went on to star in several other movies with the famed Hollywood director Altman such as Brewster McCloud, Welcome to L.A., The Player, and Pret-a-Porter. However, her biggest regret was turning down Altman's offer to cast her in his 1975 film "Nashville." Kellerman retold the story in her 2013 memoir, "Read My Lips: Stories of a Hollywood Life." Kellerman felt like she missed the opportunity to showcase her vocal talents.

Although known for her acting abilities, Kellerman was also a very talented singer. At the age of 18, Kellerman with Verve Records. But her first album, titled "Roll with The Fellin," wasn't released until 1972 (according to IMDB). It is rumored that she was the muse behind Mark Farner's song titled "Sally." The song is said to be an ode to their relationship. In 2009, Kellerman released her second album titled "Sally." 

Kellerman accomplished many things in her 60-year entertainment carer, but one of her greatest accomplishments was becoming a mother. The movie star passed on Feb. 24, 2022, at the age of 84. Along with a long list of awards and praise, Kellerman left behind her son Jack Krane and her daughter Claire Krane. 

Kellerman became a mom for the first time in 1976 when she adopted her niece, Claire (according to The Sun). Claire maintained a strained relationship with her biological mother, Sally’s older sister Diana, for years due to the divorce arrangements among her parents. According to Sportskeeda, Diana went eight years without speaking to her child once she was in Sally’s care. 

The Emmy nominated actress adored Claire and even used their mother-daughter relationship as inspiration for her role as Mary in the coming-of-age film “Foxes.”

“I could identify with the role. I have a daughter who’s 15,” she told Robert Ebert in an interview. “She doesn’t have the problems of the kids in this movie, but she does think she’s going to be better than me at everything. That’s what she says: ‘I’m gonna be better than you are. A better singer. Better at everything.’ I asked her one thing: ‘Do you think that’ll make you happy? Wait and see if it does.’ She got real quiet.”

Although, like many parent-child relationships, Kellerman and Claire’s bond may have been a little strained during Claire’s teenage years. Kellerman still adored her child and adored motherhood.  

 On May 11th, 1980, Sally Kellerman wed Jonathan D Krane at a private home ceremony in Malibu. The California native’s daughter, Claire, participated in the ceremony as the maid of honor. 

In May 1986, Krane adopted Claire, and the following year Kellerman and Krane decided to expand their family by adopting newborn twins, Jack and Hannah. 

In her memoir, “Read My Lips: Stories of a Hollywood Life,” the award-winning actress shares intimate details involving the adoption process for the twins.

Many people raised their brows when Kellerman adopted newborn twins Jack and Hannah at the age of 52. 

"A friend said, 'All your friends think you're crazy,'" she told Los Angeles Times. "I said, 'You're kidding.' I never had a sense of my age, and I don't intend to."

Even Kellerman commented on the way people perceived her in public with her newborn twins and 25-year-old daughter.

"When the twins arrived, Claire was already twenty-five and living on her," Kellerman wrote. "I'm sure that when the four of us were out and about, passersby thought she was the mother and I was the grandmother. But I didn't care."

The family remained happy together for years. But in 2016, Kellerman announced the sudden and tragic death of her husband, Jonathan D. Crane. Kellerman announced the news to fans through Facebook, sharing how her twins have been helping her to deal with the devastating loss. 

"So sorry to report the sudden passing on Monday of my beloved husband Jonathan D. Krane." Keller wrote in the post. "Thankfully our twins Jack and Hannah are both with me. I am totally devastated."

A couple of months later, tragedy struck the Krane household once more. On Oct. 23, 2016, Kellerman's youngest daughter Hannah passed away from a heroin overdose. The famous actress took to Facebook to share the news with fans once again. 

"So sorry to report the sudden and unexpected passing of my beloved daughter Hannah Krane at the age of 27 on Sunday, Oct. 23." Kellerman wrote. "Just a little more than three months after I lost my darling husband Jonathan. Thank Heaven for her twin brother Jack. We ask for your love and support at this terrible time."

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