Jessica Lange, the iconic Hollywood actress, has graced the silver screen for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. From her early life to her illustrious career, Lange’s journey is one of talent, resilience, and passion.
Let’s delve into the fascinating life of this remarkable artist.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born on April 20, 1949, in Cloquet, Minnesota, Jessica Phyllis Lange grew up in a modest household. Her father was a traveling salesman, and her mother worked as a housewife. Lange’s upbringing was marked by a love for storytelling, which eventually led her to pursue acting.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Phyllis Lange |
| Nickname | Jessie |
| Alternative Names(s) | Jessica Lange |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1949 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 75 |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Cloquet, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Hometown | Cloquet, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | University of Minnesota on an art scholarship |
| Hobbies and Interests | Photography |
| Languages Known | Spanish |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Jessica Lange – Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | Jessica Lange – IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Measurements | 34-24-35 inches |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Chest | 34 inches (86 cm) |
| Waist | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Blonde |
| Hairstyle | Varies |
| Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, expressive eyes |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Lange’s personal life has been both intriguing and private. She was married to Spanish photographer Paco Grande from 1970 to 1981. Later, she found love with playwright and actor Sam Shepard, with whom she had two children.
Their relationship lasted until Shepard’s passing in 2017. Lange’s commitment to her family has always been unwavering.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse – Husband | Paco Grande (ex-husband) |
| Father | Albert John Lange |
| Mother | Dorothy Florence Sahlman-Lange |
| Children | Shura Baryshnikov, Hannah Jane Shepard, Samuel Walker Shepard |
| Siblings | Ann Lange (older sister), Jane Lange (older sister), George Lange (younger brother) |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Sam Shepard, Bob Fosse, Mikhail Baryshnikov |
| Significant Relationships | Jessica Lange was married to Spanish photographer Paco Grande from 1971 to 1981. From 1976 to 1982, Lange was in a romantic relationship with ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. |
Rise to Stardom
Lange burst onto the Hollywood scene with her debut role in the 1976 remake of “King Kong.” Her portrayal of the vulnerable actress Dwan captivated audiences. However, it was her performance in “Tootsie” (1982) that truly catapulted her to stardom.
As Julie Nichols, Lange showcased her versatility and comedic timing alongside Dustin Hoffman.
Jessica Lange – Debut Film – King Kong (1976)
Jessica Lange – Successful Film – Tootsie (1982)
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Lange’s filmography boasts an impressive array of roles. Notable films include:
- “Frances” (1982): Lange’s portrayal of troubled actress Frances Farmer earned her an Academy Award nomination.
- “Blue Sky” (1994): Her role as Carly Marshall won her the coveted Oscar for Best Actress.
- “Sweet Dreams” (1985): Lange embodied country music legend Patsy Cline, earning critical acclaim.
Her accolades extend beyond film. She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in television, including her unforgettable performance in “American Horror Story.”
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, producer |
| Debut Film | King Kong (1976) |
| Notable Roles | Frances Farmer in “Frances” – Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire” – Elsa Mars in “American Horror Story: Freak Show” |
| Recent Films | The Gambler” (2014) – “Wild Oats” (2016) – “In Secret” (2013) |
| Upcoming Films | Marlowe |
| Popular Television Series | American Horror Story” (multiple seasons) |
| Awards and Achievements | Academy Awards: 2 wins – Golden Globe Awards: 5 wins – Primetime Emmy Awards: 3 wins – Screen Actors Guild Award: 1 win – Tony Award: 1 win |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Marc Jacobs |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador |
| Professional Associations | N/A |
| Training and Education | Studied at the University of Minnesota |
| Production Company | Ryan Murphy and the Roundabout Theatre Company |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Tootsie” (1982) – “King Kong” (1976) – “Cape Fear” (1991) |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Frances” (1982) – “Blue Sky” (1994) – “Tootsie” (1982) |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Finances Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Per Movie Charges | N/A |
| Per Endorsement Charges | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | Corporate Sponsorship |
| Business Ventures | Jessica Lange Starts a Llama Farm Franchise Business |
| Investments | stake to investment fund Blackstone Group. |
| Real Estate Holdings | Real Estate Broker |
| Luxury Items/Properties | Home & Garden |
| Cars Collection | N/A |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | N/A |
| Favorite Actress | Frances Farmer |
| Favorite Film | FRANCES |
| Favorite Music Bands | Lana del Rey |
| Favorite Sport | Basketball |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Black |
| Favorite Food | hot tamales |
| Things s/he like | N/A |
| Things s/he dislike | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Jessica Lange
| Film Title | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Tootsie | 1982 | Julie Nichols |
| Frances | 1982 | Frances Farmer |
| Blue Sky | 1994 | Carly Marshall |
| Sweet Dreams | 1985 | Patsy Cline |
| Country | 1984 | Jewell Ivy |
Controversies – Jessica Lange
- Nude Scenes in “King Kong”: Lange’s daring portrayal of Dwan sparked debates about nudity in film.
- Feud with Joan Crawford: During the filming of “Feud: Bette and Joan,” Lange’s intense portrayal of Joan Crawford led to speculation about real-life tensions.
- Criticism of “A Thousand Acres”: Some critics questioned her casting in the film adaptation of Jane Smiley’s novel.
Interesting Facts – Jessica Lange
- Lange is an accomplished photographer and has exhibited her work.
- She is fluent in French and Spanish.
- Her humanitarian efforts include advocating for UNICEF and supporting environmental causes.
In conclusion, Jessica Lange’s journey from the Midwest to Hollywood royalty is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, proving that true stardom transcends time and trends.
