Shirley Knight died aged 83 at her daughter Kaitlin Hopkins' home in San Marcos, Texas.
The Oscar-winning actress died of natural causes on Wednesday.
Her daughter paid loving tribute on Facebook to her late award-winning mum after her death in a solemn post.
Kaitlin acknowledged her mum was well loved by her family, students, her friends and fans in her heartfelt note.
She wrote: "Early this morning April 22nd you passed away, and your sweet soul left us for a better place. I was at your side and you went peacefully.
"To me, you were ‘just mom’, to some you were ‘Miss Knight’, ‘Miss Shirley’, ‘Mama Shirley’ (to my students), ‘Shirl the Girl’ (to your friends), and ‘Shirley Knight’ to your fans."
Highlights in her high-flying career included 1960 flick The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and 1962 film Sweet Bird of Youth.
Shirley left behind her two heartbroken daughters Sophie Jacks and Kaitlin as well as her stepdaughter Justine.
They will hold a memorial service in Los Angeles early next year.
The actress made a huge mark on the acting spheres and she had a number of awards to her name after she appeared in 50 films and TV series.
Shirley garnered a glittering Tony Award for Kennedy's Children.
Her TV performances also were outstanding; she received eight nods for a Primetime Emmy Award and she took home three of those trophies.
To finish the collection, the Dark at the Top of the Stairs actress scooped a Golden Globe Award during her movie star career.
