When we think of Hollywood legends, Jessica Lange immediately comes to mind. With her dynamic acting skills, incredible range, and undeniable charisma, Jessica has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has taken on numerous roles, each one as unique and memorable as the last, earning her a place among the all-time greats. We will delve into the life and career of Jessica Lange, exploring her early years, rise to stardom, and her impressive net worth.
Net Worth: $20 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: April 20, 1949
Place of Birth: Cloquet, Minnesota
Gender: Female
Profession: Actor, Model, Photographer, Television Producer
Jessica Lange Early Life
Jessica Phyllis Lange was born on April 20, 1949, in Cloquet, Minnesota. Growing up, she lived in various towns throughout the state, as her father’s job as a traveling salesman meant frequent moves for the family. Jessica was the third of four children, and her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Lange’s love for the arts began in high school when she started to take an interest in photography. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota on a scholarship, majoring in art and photography. Jessica’s adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively during her college years, ultimately landing her in Paris, where she studied mime under the legendary Étienne Decroux.
It was during her time in France that Jessica began to consider acting as a profession. In the early 1970s, she moved to New York City to pursue her newfound passion. She enrolled in acting classes at the HB Studio, under the tutelage of esteemed acting coaches Uta Hagen and Anthony Mannino. Despite having no prior acting experience, Lange’s natural talent and determination quickly caught the attention of industry professionals.
Jessica Lange Personal Life
Jessica Lange has always been a private person, keeping her personal life out of the spotlight as much as possible. She was married to Spanish photographer Paco Grande from 1971 to 1981. After their marriage ended, she entered into a high-profile relationship with actor and playwright Sam Shepard. The couple had a long-lasting partnership, from 1982 to 2009, and had two children together, Hannah and Samuel Walker. Lange also has a daughter named Alexandra “Shura” Baryshnikov from her relationship with the famous ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Despite her fame, Lange maintains a grounded lifestyle. She is an advocate for various social and environmental causes, and her passion for photography has allowed her to give back to the community. In 2008, she published a collection of black-and-white photographs taken in her home state of Minnesota, with proceeds going to charity.
Jessica Lange Career
Throughout her career, Jessica Lange has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform herself into a diverse array of characters. Following her breakthrough role in “King Kong,” Lange appeared in numerous films that showcased her versatility as an actress. Some of her most memorable roles include her portrayal of country singer Patsy Cline in “Sweet Dreams” (1985), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, and her Oscar-nominated role in “Music Box” (1989), where she played a lawyer defending her father against war crime accusations.
In the 1990s, Lange continued to challenge herself with roles that displayed her emotional depth and intensity. Her Academy Award-winning performance in “Blue Sky” (1994) and her role as a reclusive military wife in “A Thousand Acres” (1997) are prime examples of her acting prowess. She also starred in “Cousin Bette” (1998), a dark comedy based on the novel by Honoré de Balzac, where Lange portrayed a vengeful woman in 19th-century Paris.
The 2000s saw Lange take on fewer film roles, but her presence in the industry remained strong. She appeared in films like “Big Fish” (2003), directed by Tim Burton, and “Grey Gardens” (2009), an HBO film that earned her an Emmy Award for her portrayal of “Big Edie” Beale. It was also during this time that she began her collaboration with Ryan Murphy on the hit television series “American Horror Story,” captivating audiences with her powerful performances and leaving an indelible mark on the show.
Jessica Lange Net Worth
Jessica Lange’s illustrious career in film, television, and theater has spanned over four decades, earning her numerous accolades and recognition, including two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and five Golden Globe Awards. As a result of her success, Jessica has amassed a considerable net worth, estimated to be around $20 million.
Lange’s acting debut came in 1976 when she was cast as Dwan in the blockbuster remake of “King Kong.” Although the film received mixed reviews, it was a box office success and launched Lange’s acting career. She continued to take on challenging roles, showcasing her incredible acting range and skill, and earning critical acclaim for her performances.
In 1982, Jessica won her first Academy Award for her role as a soap opera actress in “Tootsie.” She was simultaneously nominated for her dramatic turn in “Frances,” making her the first actress in 40 years to be nominated for two Oscars in the same year. Lange’s second Oscar win came in 1994 for her unforgettable portrayal of a mentally unstable wife and mother in “Blue Sky.”
Despite her film success, Lange never shied away from the small screen. Her foray into television brought her even more recognition, most notably for her work on the anthology series “American Horror Story.” Jessica’s performances in the series earned her critical praise and two Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Jessica Lange’s incredible body of work also includes notable stage performances. In 2016, she won a Tony Award for her role as Mary Tyrone in the Broadway revival of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” further proving her mastery of the acting craft.
In addition to her acting career, Lange is an accomplished photographer, with several published books and exhibitions to her name. Her photographic work is another testament to her artistic talents and has undoubtedly contributed to her impressive net worth.
