Glenn Close

Early Life and Education

Glenn Close was born on March 19, 1947, in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is the daughter of Bettine Moore Close and William Taliaferro Close, a prominent physician. Glenn Close's early years were marked by a unique upbringing, as her family was deeply involved with the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) movement, a religious group that had a significant influence on her formative years. This involvement led to her spending much of her childhood traveling and living in communal settings.

Close attended the prestigious Rosemary Hall (now Choate Rosemary Hall), a boarding school in Connecticut. She later enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she studied theater and anthropology. Her time at William & Mary was pivotal in shaping her acting career, as she performed in numerous college productions and honed her craft under the guidance of her professors.

Early Career

After graduating from college, Glenn Close moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. She made her Broadway debut in 1974 in the musical "Love for Love." Her performance garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for a successful career in theater. Close continued to build her reputation with roles in productions such as "Barnum" (1980), for which she received her first Tony Award nomination, and "The Real Thing" (1983), which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress.

Transition to Film

Glenn Close's transition from theater to film began in the early 1980s. Her film debut came in 1982 with a supporting role in "The World According to Garp," directed by George Roy Hill. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking the beginning of a distinguished film career. Close followed this success with notable roles in "The Big Chill" (1983) and "The Natural" (1984), both of which solidified her status as a versatile and talented actress.

Breakthrough and Iconic Roles

Close's breakthrough role came in 1987 with the psychological thriller "Fatal Attraction," directed by Adrian Lyne. She portrayed Alex Forrest, a woman who becomes obsessively involved with a married man, played by Michael Douglas. The film was a commercial and critical success, earning Close her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Alex Forrest remains one of her most iconic and memorable performances.

In 1988, Close starred in "Dangerous Liaisons," directed by Stephen Frears. She played the manipulative and cunning Marquise de Merteuil, a role that showcased her ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters. Her performance earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Close continued to take on challenging roles in films such as "Reversal of Fortune" (1990), "101 Dalmatians" (1996), and "Air Force One" (1997).

Later Career and Continued Success

In the 2000s, Glenn Close continued to demonstrate her versatility and talent across various mediums. She received critical acclaim for her role in the television series "The Shield" (2005-2006), where she played Captain Monica Rawling. Close's performance in the legal thriller series "Damages" (2007-2012) earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Close's film career also flourished during this period. She received Academy Award nominations for her roles in "Albert Nobbs" (2011) and "The Wife" (2017). In "Albert Nobbs," Close portrayed a woman living as a man in 19th-century Ireland, a role that required a deep understanding of gender identity and historical context. Her performance in "The Wife," where she played the supportive yet conflicted spouse of a Nobel Prize-winning author, was widely praised for its emotional depth and complexity.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Glenn Close has been married three times and has one daughter, Annie Starke, who is also an actress. Close is known for her advocacy work in mental health awareness and animal rights. She founded the organization Bring Change to Mind, which aims to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Close's commitment to these causes reflects her dedication to using her platform for social good.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Glenn Close has received numerous awards and honors. She has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, making her one of the most nominated actresses in history without a win. Close has also won three Tony Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three Primetime Emmy Awards. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

Legacy and Influence

Glenn Close's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. Her performances have left a lasting impact on both audiences and critics. Close's dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on challenging roles have solidified her status as one of the most respected and versatile actresses of her generation.

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