Jessica Lange on ageism in Hollywood: Its not a level playing field
Hollywood legend Jessica Lange has been keeping busy lately, which is rare in an industry that seems to place a high value on youth. Looking radiant at 68, the actress has generated heat – and an Emmy nomination – for her latest collaboration with producer Ryan Murphy. Jessica is up against such heavy hitters as Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Coon and Felicity Huffman for a Best Actress in a Limited Series for her portrayal of Joan Crawford on Murphy’s Feud. Oh, and she’s up against her co-star on the series, Susan Sarandon, so she’ll also have to contend with s split vote.
Jessica spoke with AARP Magazine (a magazine that I am seeing so many of my contemporaries on the cover lately) about her career and life highlights. Among some of the fun facts the almost EGOT-winner (all she needs is a Grammy) shared were that she’s a huge Bob Dylan fan and she’s got two tattoos – a crescent moon on her hip and a Celtic knot on her wrist. The whole interview is definitely worth a read, as Jessica has had an interesting career, but here are some highlights:
On her first role, in 1976’s King Kong: I had no idea how big the movie was, or that coming out of it I wouldn’t be taken seriously. I went back to taking acting classes for a few years. When you’re young, you don’t see the connections, how one thing leads to the other.
On winning her first Oscar for Tootsie in 1983: I knew when I did Frances that it was something extraordinary. I love those kinds of parts, with huge emotional swings. But Tootsie turned out to be the best film I ever made. And to win my first Oscar for it was thrilling, not terrifying, the way it might be today. The awards were more casual then. You did your own hair; you did your own makeup. It wasn’t the fashion event of the season.
On working with Ryan Murphy: Horror has never been my favorite genre, but Ryan Murphy, the producer, is a great seducer. I thought, I’ll do it for a year. And it turned out to be four years of amazing roles. Television has been great.
On being an older actress in Hollywood: Ageism is pervasive in this industry. It’s not a level playing field. You don’t often see women in their 60s playing romantic leads, yet you will see men in their 60s playing romantic leads with costars who are decades younger. I think about how few wonderful actresses of my generation are still doing viable, important film work. You go to television. You go to the stage. You do whatever you can because you want to keep working.
[From AARP Magazine]
Jessica also spoke about her former partner, actor and playwright Sam Shepard, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 73. The two met during the making of Frances, were together for almost 30 years, and had two kids together, Hannah, 31 and Samuel, 30. She recalled that “I wouldn’t call Sammy easygoing and funny, but everybody has their dark side, and he always does it with a sense of humor.”
I love Jessica Lange and have since Tootsie. I also agree 100% with her opinion on ageism in the industry – and this isn’t the first time she’s spoken about it. I am glad there are still producers and show runners who recognize her many talents and her ageless beauty. And, of course, who wouldn’t love a woman who can subtly throw shade better than anybody else? I relive this moment over and over again and it makes me smile every single time.
Photos: AARP/Ruven Afanador, WENN.com
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmbmxka39ze8meqqyhk5asra3NoJyYp56UrqixyKykmKGelLWwuMuyrqinlJS2tb%2B%2Bp6atl5GUuabCxKWWqaSRrravs76foJ6klGQ%3D



