Jessica Lange, American actress

Jessica Phyllis Lange, born on April 20, 1949, is an esteemed American actress whose career has spanned decades, marked by both critical acclaim and popular success. Her exceptional talent and versatility have earned her a place among Hollywood's most decorated performers, making her only the 13th actress to achieve the coveted "Triple Crown of Acting." This prestigious recognition signifies winning an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, demonstrating her prowess across film, television, and stage. Beyond these, Lange has also garnered a Screen Actors Guild Award and an impressive five Golden Globe Awards, along with numerous other accolades that underscore her profound impact on the entertainment industry.

A Storied Career: Jessica Lange's Enduring Legacy

Lange's journey in the spotlight began with her professional film debut in Dino De Laurentiis's 1976 remake of the classic 1933 action-adventure film, King Kong. Her captivating performance in the iconic monster movie not only introduced her to a global audience but also earned her first significant award, the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year. This early success set the stage for a diverse career that would see her take on a myriad of complex and memorable roles.

Early Career and Cinematic Breakthroughs

Following her notable debut, Lange continued to build her filmography, appearing in acclaimed projects such as the musical drama All That Jazz in 1979. However, it was her work in 1982 that truly cemented her status as a formidable talent. That year, she delivered two standout performances that led to a rare and impressive feat: two Academy Award nominations in the same year, making her only the third actress and the first performer since 1943 to achieve such a distinction. She earned her second Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her brilliant portrayal of a troubled soap opera star, Julie Nichols, in the beloved comedy Tootsie. Simultaneously, her powerful and raw performance as the ill-fated actress Frances Farmer in the biographical drama Frances garnered her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, showcasing her remarkable dramatic depth.

A String of Acclaim: The 1980s and Beyond in Film

The 1980s proved to be a fertile period for Lange, as she continued to deliver critically acclaimed performances that garnered further recognition. She received three more Academy Award nominations for her work in the dramas Country (1984), Sweet Dreams (1985), and Music Box (1989), each role demonstrating her impressive range and ability to inhabit complex characters. Her dedication to her craft culminated in her winning her third Golden Globe Award and the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress for her poignant portrayal of a bipolar housewife, Carly Marshall, in the 1994 film Blue Sky. This victory also made her the fifth actress and ninth performer overall to win Oscars in both the lead and supporting acting categories, a testament to her versatility.

Triumphs on Television and the Broadway Stage

As her film career continued to flourish, Lange also ventured into television and stage, achieving significant success in both mediums. In 2010, she earned her first Primetime Emmy Award for her compelling performance as Edith "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's eccentric aunt, in HBO's highly praised 2009 miniseries Grey Gardens. This marked a significant expansion of her decorated career.Between 2011 and 2014, Lange found renewed popularity and critical acclaim through her captivating performances in the horror anthology series American Horror Story on FX. Her roles in the first, second, and third seasons of the show earned her a multitude of awards, including her first Screen Actors Guild Award, her first Critics Choice Award, her fifth Golden Globe Award, three Dorian Awards, and her second and third Emmy Awards. Her return to the series in 2018 for American Horror Story: Apocalypse also earned her a tenth Emmy nomination. A unique distinction in her career is being the only performer ever to win Primetime Emmy Awards in both the Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Lead Actress categories for the same miniseries, highlighting her exceptional range within the television format.Lange's talents extend beyond the screen to the theatrical stage. In 2016, she made a triumphant return to Broadway in the revival of Eugene O'Neill's classic play Long Day's Journey into Night. Her powerful performance earned her her first Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, alongside an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play. She also appeared in a supporting role in Louis C.K.'s Peabody Award-winning web series Horace and Pete. In 2017, her portrayal of legendary actress Joan Crawford in the miniseries Feud garnered her further nominations, including her eighth Emmy, sixteenth Golden Globe, sixth Screen Actors Guild Award, and second TCA Award nominations, proving her continued relevance and appeal.

Unparalleled Achievements and Distinctions

Throughout her career, Jessica Lange has amassed an impressive array of distinctions that highlight her unique standing in Hollywood. She is tied for the sixth most Oscar-nominated actress, a testament to her consistent delivery of compelling performances. Furthermore, she holds the record for most nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film, showcasing her dominance in that specific category. Her extraordinary contributions have also been recognized by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, which has honored her with three Dorian Awards, making her their most honored actress. Her enduring impact was further acknowledged in 1998 when Entertainment Weekly listed her among the 25 Greatest Actresses of the 1990s, cementing her legacy across multiple decades. While she was scheduled to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014, she has yet to claim it, a curious detail in her celebrated career.

Beyond the Screen: Photography and Philanthropy

Outside of her illustrious acting career, Jessica Lange is also a talented photographer, with four published books showcasing her artistic eye. Her humanitarian efforts are equally significant; she has served as a foster parent and holds a prestigious Goodwill Ambassador position for UNICEF, dedicating her time and influence to vital causes. Specifically, she has focused on raising awareness and supporting initiatives related to HIV/AIDS in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Russia, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on global health and human welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jessica Lange

What is the "Triple Crown of Acting" and has Jessica Lange achieved it?

The "Triple Crown of Acting" is an informal term used in the American entertainment industry to describe actors who have won a competitive Academy Award (for film), an Emmy Award (for television), and a Tony Award (for theatre). Jessica Lange is indeed one of the elite few to achieve this prestigious honor, having won two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.

For which roles did Jessica Lange win her Academy Awards?

Jessica Lange has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for her role as Julie Nichols in the 1982 film Tootsie, and Best Actress for her performance as Carly Marshall in the 1994 film Blue Sky.

Is Jessica Lange known for any specific records or unique achievements in the awards circuit?

Yes, Jessica Lange holds several notable distinctions. She is the second actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress after winning Best Supporting Actress, the third actress and first performer since 1943 to receive two Oscar nominations in the same year (for Tootsie and Frances), and the fifth actress and ninth performer to win Oscars in both lead and supporting acting categories. She is also tied for the sixth most Oscar-nominated actress and holds the record for most nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film. Furthermore, she is the only performer ever to win Primetime Emmy Awards in both the Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Lead Actress categories for the same miniseries.

Has Jessica Lange received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

While Jessica Lange was scheduled to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014, she has not yet claimed it.

What are some of Jessica Lange's endeavors outside of acting?

Beyond her prolific acting career, Jessica Lange is also an accomplished photographer with four published books of her work. She has also served as a foster parent and is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, focusing her philanthropic efforts on HIV/AIDS initiatives in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Russia.