Sylvia Miles
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Sylvia Reuben Lee (born September 9, 1932) better known as Sylvia Miles, is an American actress.
[edit] Early life
Miles was born in New York City, New York to Jewish American parents Reuben and Belle Lee. She is believed to have a sister.
The year of birth now generally ascribed to her (1932) may be inaccurate given that she first married in 1948.
[edit] Career
Miles played the role of "Sally" in the pilot episode of what would become The Dick Van Dyke Show, which was later taken by Rose Marie for the series. She also appeared in an episode of Naked City as a lovely barfly attempting to communicate with a psychotic Jack Warden.
She is perhaps best known for her role in the movie Midnight Cowboy as a hooker on a busman's holiday with Jon Voight, which earned her an Oscar nomination, despite the role's brevity.
Over the years, the very active Miles has become a cult figure known for her ties to the avant-garde (Warhol, Morrissey, etc.) and her increasingly bizarre appearance over the years and her willingness to attend any public function. One wag remarked that Miles "would attend the opening of an envelope."
Her most recent acting performance was as an old woman who explains to Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, that she takes her lithium in her ice cream, on an episode of Sex and the City.
