'Find What Fascinates You'
People US
|June 10, 2024
AFTER SCORING EVERY MAJOR ACTING PRIZE, THE LEGENDARY STAR ISN'T DONE RISING TO NEW CHALLENGES
Jessica Lange has always taken big risks, from her film debut acting opposite a mechanical ape in 1976's King Kong to following in Faye Dunaway's massive Mommie Dearest footsteps and portraying larger-than-life screen icon Joan Crawford in the 2017 limited series Feud: Bette and Joan. The actress, 75, took another chance earlier this year when she headed to Broadway in Mother Play after only three weeks of rehearsal. "When I look back, it's just like, 'Oh my God, were we nuts?"" The gamble paid off.
Her performance as a woman who refuses to accept her gay son (played by Jim Parsons) earned Lange her second Tony Award nomination (she won in 2016 for Long Day's Journey Into Night). "It means the world," says Lange, who has two Oscars and three Emmys.
The Minnesota native and mom to Shura, 43 (with ex Mikhail Baryshnikov, 76), Hannah, 38, and Walker, 36 (with her late former partner Sam Shepard), also stuns as an actress losing her mental faculties in the new movie The Great Lillian Hall (on HBO May 31). "Every era in someone's life, it's important to find what still fascinates you," Lange explains of her varied résumé. Soon she'll take a well-deserved break. "I'm looking forward to going back to the country and trying to live a little more of a contemplative existence-at least for a while," she says. Before taking off, she talks to People about Mother Play, motherhood and making movies.
How did you approach playing a parent deep in denial in Mother Play?
This story is from the June 10, 2024 edition of People US.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM People US
People US
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
THE GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE, WHO PAYS HOMAGE TO NEIL DIAMOND IN HER NEW BIOPIC, IS AN OPEN BOOK
3 mins
December 29, 2025
People US
Amy Schumer and Husband Chris Fischer Are Divorcing
Amy Schumer and her husband, Chris Fischer, have decided to end their marriage of more than seven years. The comedian, 44, shared the news on Instagram on Dec. 12 alongside a photo of herself, Fischer, 45, and their dog riding the New York City subway.
1 min
December 29, 2025
People US
Secrets From Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
Over the course of 149 shows in 2023 and 2024, more than 10 million fans flocked to stadiums around the world to see Taylor Swift’s meticulously curated and rehearsed Eras tour, a career-defining spectacle celebrating her prolific catalog.
1 min
December 29, 2025
People US
Song Sung Blue
Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman track the highs and lows of a real-life couple
1 min
December 29, 2025
People US
NFL STARS CHASE & SYDNEY BROWN TWINS TAKE THE FIELD!
BEFORE THEY WENT PRO, THE BROWN BROTHERS EXPERIENCED POVERTY AS KIDS, BUT THEY REFUSED TO GIVE UP ON THEIR DREAMS AND UNBREAKABLE BELIEF IN EACH OTHER
2 mins
December 29, 2025
People US
'You were my hero'
Years after escaping abuse, Roshin Ali became a police officer and fell in love with a cop who looked for her:
2 mins
December 29, 2025
People US
smile!
Joyrides Through N.Y.C. Help Dogs Get Adopted
1 min
December 29, 2025
People US
Divorce.Dating & My New Reality
AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE, THE FASHION STAR AND NEWLY SINGLE MOM OF TWO IS BACK ON REALITY TV AND ENJOYING A NEW CHAPTER
2 mins
December 29, 2025
People US
Inside Jennifer Aniston's First Holiday Season With Jim Curtis: 'She Truly Loves Him'
Jennifer Aniston is gearing up for an extra-special Christmas this year.
1 mins
December 29, 2025
People US
MY LIFE IN PICTURES
THE AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH STAR SHARES STORIES FROM HER CHILDHOOD AND ICONIC CAREER
2 mins
December 29, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size

