Jessica Lange: 'At a certain age in the eyes of Hollywood you are finished'

Jessica Lange is a well-known actress who has made a significant impact in both film and theater. She began her acting career in 1976 with the remake of King Kong, and since then, she has worked tirelessly to establish herself as a versatile performer. Lange has won two Academy Awards for her outstanding performances in Tootsie and Blue Sky, and she has taken on a variety of roles in films such as The Postman Always Rings Twice, Cape Fear, Rob Roy, Big Fish, and Broken Flowers. In addition to her film work, Lange has also made a name for herself on television, winning an Emmy for her portrayal of Joan Crawford in Feud and receiving numerous accolades for her roles in the American Horror Story series. Lange is also a celebrated stage actress, having performed in classic plays like A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, and Mother Play. Recently, she brought her latest film, Long Day's Journey Into Night, to the Glasgow Film Festival. This film is an adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which was written in 1940 but was not performed until after O'Neill's death in 1956. Lange describes the play as a 'play of old sorrow, written in tears and blood,' and she believes it to be one of the greatest American plays ever written. She emphasizes the emotional depth and universality of the story, stating that it resonates with many people, especially in today's world. In the film, Lange portrays Mary Tyrone, the matriarch of a family who struggles with morphine addiction and faces loneliness and concerns about her sons' well-being. Lange expresses her deep affection for the character, saying, 'Mary Tyrone is one of these parts which mean the world to me. ' She finds it thrilling to take on such a significant role. Lange has a fond memory of her time in Scotland while filming Rob Roy alongside Liam Neeson. She recalls the beauty of the Highlands and the special moments spent with her family during that time. As she reflects on her experiences, she notes that some projects leave a lasting impression, while others do not. Looking ahead, Lange is excited about her upcoming projects, which will continue to focus on women's stories. She is set to star in a film adaptation of Joan Didion's memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking, and she is also interested in exploring the life of the iconic German actress Marlene Dietrich. This project will delve into Dietrich's journey as she moved to America and became a US citizen. Lange hopes to begin this project soon. Despite Hollywood's tendency to overlook older women, Jessica Lange, now 75 years old, remains a strong advocate for their representation and continues to pursue meaningful roles.