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Jessica Lange is one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, known for her extraordinary range and ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters. With a career spanning over five decades, Lange has cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s greatest performers, earning widespread acclaim for her roles in both film and television. From her breakout role in King Kong to her iconic performances in American Horror Story and beyond, Jessica Lange’s body of work is a testament to her versatility, dedication, and remarkable talent.
This article delves into the life and career of Jessica Lange, from her early years in Minnesota to her rise to fame and continued success in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Jessica Phyllis Lange was born on April 20, 1949, in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Dorothy (née Sahlman), a schoolteacher, and Albert Lange, a traveling salesman. Raised in a small town, Lange grew up with a strong sense of independence and a deep interest in the arts. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she and her siblings were raised primarily by their mother.
Lange attended St. Mary’s College in Minnesota, where she initially studied to become a teacher. However, her passion for the arts led her to leave her studies and move to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She attended the prestigious University of Minnesota before moving to Paris, where she studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute to further hone her craft. Lange’s time in Paris exposed her to both the art world and the world of theater, shaping her artistic vision and fueling her ambition to pursue a professional acting career.
Early Career: A Modeling Start and Breakthrough in Film
Before landing her first acting roles, Jessica Lange worked as a model. It was during this time that she was discovered by director John Guillermin, who cast her in his 1976 remake of “King Kong.” Lange’s performance as Dwan, a beautiful but vulnerable woman, opposite Jeff Bridges and the giant ape, propelled her into the spotlight. The film was a commercial success, and Lange’s striking beauty and presence captured the public’s attention, marking the beginning of her Hollywood career.
Her next major role came in 1979 when she was cast in “All That Jazz,” the musical drama directed by Bob Fosse. The film, which explored the life of a Broadway choreographer, gave Lange a chance to showcase her talent in a different genre, and her performance earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
However, it was her role in “Tootsie” (1982), directed by Sydney Pollack and co-starring Dustin Hoffman, that marked her true breakthrough. Lange’s portrayal of Julie Nichols, a sensitive and intelligent woman who falls in love with a man pretending to be a woman, earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s top talents.
Continued Success: Film Career and Versatility
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jessica Lange continued to build a diverse and successful career in film, starring in a wide range of roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. She earned further critical acclaim for her performances in films such as:
- “Frances” (1982) – In this film, Lange portrayed the troubled actress Frances Farmer, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of the emotionally tortured and often misunderstood star was a career-defining moment, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging and complex characters.
- “Country” (1984) – Lange starred opposite Sam Shepard in this drama about a farm couple struggling with the economic hardships of the 1980s. Her portrayal of the strong, determined wife earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1981) – In this noir remake, Lange starred as Cora Smith, a femme fatale caught in a passionate and destructive affair. Her sultry and captivating performance earned her praise for her ability to portray a morally ambiguous character.
- “Music Box” (1989) – Lange played an attorney defending her father, who is accused of being a Nazi war criminal. Her performance was intense and emotionally charged, further showcasing her ability to delve into complex and challenging roles.
During this time, Lange was consistently recognized for her dramatic range, earning Golden Globe Awards and Emmy nominations. She worked with some of the best filmmakers of the era, including Francis Ford Coppola and Sydney Pollack, who recognized her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Transition to Television: A New Era of Stardom
In the 2000s, Jessica Lange expanded her career into television, where she would find a new level of fame and recognition. Her work on Ryan Murphy’s anthology series American Horror Story marked a turning point in her career and introduced her to a new generation of fans.
Lange joined the series in its first season, “Murder House” (2011), playing the role of Constance Langdon, a complex, manipulative, and tragic character. Her performance was widely praised for its depth, intensity, and dark humor, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Lange went on to appear in several subsequent seasons of American Horror Story, including:
- “Asylum” (2012) – As the terrifying Sister Jude, Lange earned another Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of a sadistic nun in a mental institution.
- “Coven” (2013) – Lange played the role of Fiona Goode, a powerful and vengeful witch, further showcasing her ability to play complicated, morally gray characters.
- “Freak Show” (2014) – In her final season of American Horror Story, Lange portrayed Elsa Mars, a German expatriate running a circus sideshow. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award nomination and was widely praised as one of the best of the series.
Lange’s work in American Horror Story earned her numerous Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards, cementing her legacy as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Jessica Lange is known for being private about her personal life, but she has been open about her commitment to humanitarian causes. She has worked with various charities, including those focused on environmental issues, HIV/AIDS awareness, and women’s rights. Lange has been a passionate advocate for artists’ rights and has used her platform to speak out on issues she cares about.
Lange has two children, Dolly and Shura, from her long-term relationship with the late actor Sam Shepard. She has always emphasized the importance of family and has maintained a relatively low-key lifestyle outside of her work in the spotlight.
Legacy and Impact
Jessica Lange’s career is a testament to her incredible talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. She has portrayed a wide range of iconic characters, from tragic figures to fierce, empowered women, earning recognition as one of the most accomplished actresses in the entertainment industry.
Her impact extends beyond her acting career—Lange has helped redefine the roles available to women in both film and television, showing that women can embody complex, multi-dimensional characters at any stage of their careers. Her work has inspired countless actors and filmmakers, and her contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated.
With a career that has spanned over five decades, Jessica Lange’s legacy as a trailblazer, a versatile performer, and a beloved icon remains undeniable. Whether on the big screen, on television, or in the theater, she will always be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most powerful and influential actresses.
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