Glenn Close: More Than Her Fierce On-Screen Persona
Glenn Close, the legendary actress behind Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Wife, is often seen as Hollywood’s ultimate powerhouse. Yet, in a revealing interview, Close shares a deeply personal side—her cult upbringing, political activism, and romantic struggles—proving she’s far more vulnerable than her characters suggest.
A Childhood Inside a Controversial Cult
Close’s early life was anything but ordinary. Raised in the Moral Re-Armament (MRA), a strict religious movement, she spent her formative years in Switzerland, isolated from modern society. “No TV, no pop culture—just rigid devotion,” she recalls. The MRA’s influence left her suppressing emotions, a struggle she later channeled into her acting. “Escaping that world taught me how to disappear into roles. Acting became my rebellion.”
Hollywood Breakthrough: A Late Bloomer’s Triumph
Unlike many stars, Close’s rise to fame came in her late 30s after years on Broadway. Her Tony-winning performances in The Real Thing and Sunset Boulevard paved the way for her iconic role in Fatal Attraction (1987), which cemented her as a household name. Despite her success, she’s often typecast as the “villainess.” “People think I’m intense,” she laughs. “But I just love playing complex women.”
Activism: Marching Against Trump & Mental Health Advocacy
A vocal Democrat, Close joined the 2017 Women’s March to protest Donald Trump’s presidency. “It was a moment of collective outrage,” she says. Beyond politics, she champions mental health awareness, inspired by her sister Jessie’s bipolar disorder. “We must erase the stigma,” she insists.
Love Lessons: Heartbreak and Hope
Close’s love life has been far from a fairy tale. Married and divorced three times, she reflects, “I’ve been unlucky in love, but I don’t regret it.” Her longest relationship, with producer John Starke, gave her daughter Annie. At 77, she remains hopeful: “Love is worth the risk.”
Glenn Close’s Enduring Legacy
With eight Oscar nominations (and counting), Close prioritizes storytelling over accolades. “I want roles that matter,” she says. Whether in The Wife or Damages, she continues to redefine expectations—both on-screen and off.
