Louise Fletcher, UNC Alumna, Oscar Winner for ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ Dies at 88

Posted Sep 24, 2022
Louise Fletcher, who won the best actress Oscar for her performance as Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," died Friday at her home in France. She was 88. Fletcher was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended the University of North Carolina; during a cross-country trip, she became stranded in Los Angeles and stumbled into acting. (Variety)

Related: Campus Connections

From an indigo hue to Carolina Blue: the history behind UNC's school colors
Many students, fans and alums have proudly proclaimed that UNC is home to "the better blue." Carolina Blue became a widely used noun in the...
Sat Mar 21, 2026

Entrepreneur, UNC alum gives back, a bagel at a time
Alex Brandwein left UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in May 2020 with two big accomplishments: an MBA and a lease for a bagel shop a few...
Tue Mar 17, 2026

20 years after seeds were distributed to children, Davie Poplar's legacy still grows
At nearly 400 years old, the Davie Poplar has stood on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus for as long as the University has existed. But its legacy...
Mon Mar 16, 2026

UNC creative writing associate professor’s book earns national honor
One UNC faculty member’s newest book is earning accolades. “The New Economy,” written by Gabrielle Calvocoressi, has been named a finalist for the National Book...
Sat Mar 14, 2026