Claim: Marilyn Burns was an actress.

Marilyn Burns ; -LRB- born Mary Lynn Ann Burns ; May 7 , 1949 -- August 5 , 2014 -RRB- was an American actress who became known for her role as Sally Hardesty in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre film series . Her other film roles included Eaten Alive -LRB- 1977 -RRB- and Future-Kill -LRB- 1985 -RRB- . She is also known for portraying Linda Kasabian in the three-time Emmy-nominated television film Helter Skelter -LRB- 1976 -RRB- .