Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Jessica Phyllis Lange was born on April 20, 1949, in Cloquet, Minnesota. She is commonly referred to as Jessica Lange.
Birth and Death Dates
April 20, 1949 (birth date)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American actress, singer, and producer
Early Life and Background
Lange was born into a family of Norwegian-American descent. Her father, Donald Joseph Lange, was a former Army Air Forces officer who became an insurance agent after the war. Her mother, Dorothy West Lange, was a housewife. Lange's early life was marked by tragedy when her brother, David, died in a car accident at the age of 8, leaving Lange devastated. She later credited this event with fueling her passion for acting as a means to cope with her emotions.
Growing up in Minnesota, Lange developed an interest in music and began singing in local choirs. Her talent was recognized early on, and she won several local competitions, including the prestigious _Miss America_ pageant in 1961. However, it wasn't until she moved to New York City that she began pursuing a career in acting.
Major Accomplishments
Lange's breakthrough role came when she played the part of All About Eve's Eve (a minor character) on Broadway in 1959. She then went on to appear in several off-Broadway productions, including _A Thousand Clowns_ and _Any Wednesday_. Her film debut was in the 1976 comedy-drama _King Kong_, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
Throughout her career, Lange has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances. Some of her notable roles include:
_Kramer vs. Kramer_ (1979) - She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
_Tootsie_ (1982) - Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
* _Blue Sky_ (1994) - Lange was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of a woman with Alzheimer's disease.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her acting career, Lange has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She has worked closely with several organizations, including the _Artists Against Racism_ campaign and the Partnership for the Homeless, where she has served as a board member since 2006.
Impact and Legacy
Jessica Lange's impact on American cinema is undeniable. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to take on complex roles have earned her a reputation as one of the most talented actresses of our time. With over 70 film credits, Lange continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and range.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lange's quotes are often sought after for their insight into her creative process and experiences in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to social justice and philanthropy has also made her a respected voice on issues affecting society at large.
In 2015, Lange was appointed as a U.S. Ambassador of the Arts, where she worked with the State Department to promote American arts and culture abroad. This appointment solidified her position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Today, Jessica Lange remains an active member of the acting community, inspiring new generations of performers with her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
Quotes by Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange's insights on:
I never felt like I belonged in Minnesota when I was growing up there. That’s why I was out the door as soon as I turned 18.
If I had to start over, I’d pursue photography – probably to the exclusion of acting.
There’s something magical still about it when I get in a darkroom, and you’ve shot a roll of film and you develop it and you look at your negatives, and there’s, like, imagery there. That always stuns me.
If I didn’t have children I’d be a much better actress. I wouldn’t be so distracted. I could pour 100 percent of my energies into it, to promote the investigation which acting is.
I’ve never been a sunny personality. I’ve never been outgoing. I’m a solitary person.
For me, acting was always a way to explore emotions – to dip into the well and really try to reach rock bottom down there. That was the most exciting part of it. I hadn’t found anything that really allowed me to do that until I came upon acting.
TV is sort of the only way to go for an actress my age to make a decent salary; with independent films, you just can’t.
Sometimes the odds are against you-the director doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing, or something falls apart in the production, or you’re working with an actor who’s just unbearable.
The only place I’ve felt was really my home is my cabin up north. There’s something in the water there that connects me to that place. There’s also this sense of isolation and loneliness about it that I’ve never been able to shake.