My So-Called Life ran for only one season, but the 1994 teen drama series has become something of a cult classic. At least part of its success can be attributed to its stars: a then-14year-old Claire Danes, sporting a bright red lob (long bob), and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto, nearly unrecognisable as a broody teen. The role of Angela Chase kickstarted Claire’s career, earning her both a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. Being a teen actor, she says, came with a unique set of benefits and challenges.
‘Adolescence is a difficult time, full stop,’ says Claire. ‘I was struggling emotionally with that reality, which is why I think I ran into acting. I had a hard time at junior high school and was bullied. I hated the social dynamics. I got to reflect on that in such an incredible way with My So-Called Life. Then I was kind of buffered from the actual experience of it because I was suddenly in a world full of adults who were much more humane.’
By the time she was 16, Claire was a household name, thanks to her portrayal of Juliet opposite Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s modern-day interpretation of Romeo and Juliet (1996). Even now, being an instantly recognisable face is something she’s slightly uncomfortable with. ‘Fame is funny,’ she says. ‘It always makes me squeamish talking about it. It just feels inherently embarrassing.’
This story is from the November/December 2020 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November/December 2020 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Easter with edge
Grant knows what it's like to miss out on the celebrations that anchor family life.
The MALE bias
Historically, medical studies were mainly done on male mice and on men; and then extrapolated to treat women, as if a female body were just a smaller version of a male one. Here’s why that doesn’t make sense, and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm for better health.
Wellbeing
How to sleep better, feel better and look better!
The other type of CHEATING
Lies about money can have devastating consequences in a relationship.
THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES
oe r Despite many highly Hs hazardous pesticides being banned in their countries of origin, 192 of them are still legally exported to South Africa
START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer
There's nothing quite like a South African entrepreneur. In the face of adversity, they innovate and persevere. But what fuels that determination? We chatted to some self-starters to find out.
How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY
It's easy to get complacent in a long-term relationship. Before you know it, your partner is little more than your roommate. Here's how to shake things up.
SUPER TROUPER
At one point, Josie Borain was the most famous model in the world. Her face was on every magazine that mattered. And in the madness of all that attention, she never lost her sense of self. She talks to us about turning 60, being single, and starting her third act with a move to the platteland.
Little wonder
Over the years we have visited 16 Greek islands, but when we first set foot on Halki, the little-known gem just south of Rhodes, we knew we'd found the closest thing to the perfect one. And we vowed to return. Often.
HOME AFFAIRS
These three entrepreneurs are redefining the heartbeat of homes through their unique blend of creativity, sustainability and purposeful design.
