Jessica Lange Considers Retiring After Five Decades in Hollywood
The acclaimed actress cites a lack of quality roles and the corporatization of the film industry as reasons for contemplating an end to her acting career.
Veteran actress Jessica Lange, 77, is contemplating retirement from acting after a career spanning five decades, citing a decline in the quality of available roles and a changing film landscape. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Lange expressed that she feels "like I’m coming to an end," and suggested her latest film, "Long Day's Journey into Night," could be "not a bad way to end."
Lange noted that while she has a few projects in development, their realization is uncertain. "It doesn't seem easy to get things made anymore. At least not the kind of films that interest me," she shared. She also pointed to the difficulty in finding stage roles suitable for her age, despite her desire to return to theater.
Lange, a celebrated figure in Hollywood, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including two Academy Awards, three Emmys, and a Tony Award. She won Best Supporting Actress for "Tootsie" (1982) and Best Actress for "Blue Sky" (1994). Her television work has also been recognized, with Emmy wins for the HBO film "Grey Gardens" (2009) and two wins for her roles in "American Horror Story: Murder House" (2012) and "American Horror Story: Coven" (2014).
Her career began with a role in the 1976 remake of "King Kong," which earned her a Golden Globe. Lange has previously spoken out about the treatment of women in Hollywood, acknowledging some progress but noting that gender equality in the industry has not reached its full potential.
Reflecting on the broader film industry, Lange contrasted the current era with the late 20th century. "In the '70s, there were great directors doing great projects," she recalled. "The heyday, I think, of American film." She described the industry's evolution as a process of corporatization that has diminished its "soul."
Lange was recently honored with the Icon Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival for her significant contributions to cinema. She also appeared in the latest season of "American Horror Story."