8 Lives Of Glenn Close: Unpacking Her 2025 Blockbusters And Most Iconic Roles

Few actors possess the transformative power of Glenn Close, a true titan of stage and screen whose career is defined by its ferocious intensity and stunning versatility. As of December 2025, the eight-time Oscar nominee shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, with two major, high-profile projects hitting screens that are guaranteed to dominate the cultural conversation. From a major role in a highly anticipated Netflix action-comedy to her involvement in the next installment of a beloved murder-mystery franchise, Close continues to prove why she is one of the most enduring and respected figures in Hollywood history.

This article dives deep into the latest updates on her 2025 slate, offering an exclusive look at her new characters and revisiting the defining performances that cemented her legacy as one of the greatest actors of her generation. We'll explore the fresh details about her upcoming work and list the iconic roles that have captivated audiences for decades, providing a comprehensive view of her unparalleled topical authority.

Glenn Close: A Complete Professional Biography and Filmography Snapshot

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on March 19, 1947, Glenn Close's journey to cinematic royalty began far from the silver screen. Her early life was spent in a religious group, a background she has openly discussed, which perhaps fueled her later drive and focus on performance. She graduated from the College of William & Mary and made her professional stage debut in 1974, quickly establishing herself as a formidable presence on Broadway.

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• Full Name: Glenn Close
• Born: March 19, 1947 (Age 78 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
• Education: College of William & Mary
• Broadway Debut: Love for Love (1974)
• Film Debut: The World According to Garp (1982)
• Key Accolades:
  • 8 Academy Award Nominations (No wins, making her one of the most nominated actors without a win)
  • 3 Primetime Emmy Awards
  • 3 Tony Awards (For The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden, and Sunset Boulevard)
  • 3 Golden Globe Awards
  • 2 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards
• Notable Entities/Roles: Alex Forrest, Cruella de Vil, Marquise de Merteuil, Norma Desmond, Albert Nobbs, Joan Castleman.

The 2025 Renaissance: New Thrillers and Action-Comedies

The year 2025 marks a significant return for Glenn Close to major studio projects, showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition between high-stakes drama and lighthearted action-comedy. Her involvement in two of the year's most anticipated streaming releases demonstrates her continued relevance and star power.

Stepping into the Knives Out Universe: Wake Up Dead Man (2025)

One of the most talked-about projects of the year is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment in Rian Johnson's successful whodunit series. Glenn Close has joined the star-studded ensemble cast, which also includes Daniel Craig returning as Detective Benoit Blanc.

In this mystery comedy thriller, Close plays the character of Martha. While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, director Rian Johnson has been vocal about Close's infectious energy on set, famously describing her enthusiasm as being like a "little puppy." The production buzz also included an anecdote about her character's "blood-curdling" screams, which were so convincing they managed to startle a dog on set, hinting at a potentially intense or dramatic role within the comedic framework. Fans are eager to see how her legendary dramatic chops will fit into the quirky, high-tension world of the *Knives Out* franchise, especially following her appearance promoting the film in a new "rocker-chic" hairstyle.

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Action and Comedy: Back in Action (2025) on Netflix

Adding another major title to her 2025 slate, Close is a key figure in the Netflix action-comedy film Back in Action, which premiered globally on January 17, 2025. The film is a major comeback vehicle for co-star Cameron Diaz and also features Jamie Foxx, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott.

While her specific role details remain secondary to the main stars, Close's presence in a major action-comedy is a testament to her willingness to explore different genres. The film centers on a pair of former spies who are pulled back into the world of espionage. Her participation in this project is seen by critics as a successful venture into a more commercial, lighthearted space, offering a refreshing contrast to her traditionally intense dramatic roles.

The Pantheon of Madness and Majesty: Glenn Close's 7 Most Iconic Roles

Glenn Close has built a career on playing women of complexity, often blurring the lines between hero and villain, sanity and obsession. Her ability to inhabit a character completely, whether on film or stage, is what gives her such immense topical authority. These seven roles stand as pillars of her career, each a masterclass in performance.

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1. Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction (1987): The role that made her a global icon and a symbol of cinematic obsession. Her portrayal of a book editor who refuses to be ignored after a weekend affair earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film remains a standout in the stalker-thriller genre.
2. Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians (1996) and 102 Dalmatians (2000): Close embodied the live-action version of the Disney villainess with a perfect blend of high-fashion menace and comedic theatricality. This performance introduced her to a new generation of fans and became one of her most recognizable characters.
3. Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons (1988): A study in aristocratic manipulation and cunning. Close's performance as the calculating French noblewoman is often cited as one of the greatest cinematic villainesses, earning her another Oscar nomination.
4. Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1993, 2016 Stage Revival): Although primarily a stage role for Close, her interpretation of the delusional former silent-film star has defined the character for a generation. Her Tony Award-winning performance is so legendary that a film adaptation has been in development, with Close reuniting with her stage director, a project still highly anticipated as of late 2024.
5. Albert Nobbs in Albert Nobbs (2011): A deeply transformative role where Close played a woman living as a man in 19th-century Ireland to survive. She co-wrote the screenplay and received her sixth Academy Award nomination for this nuanced, empathetic performance.
6. Joan Castleman in The Wife (2017): This quiet, powerful role finally won her a Golden Globe and earned her her seventh Oscar nomination. She played the long-suffering spouse of a Nobel Prize-winning author, subtly conveying decades of suppressed resentment and intellectual sacrifice.
7. Jenny Fields in The World According to Garp (1982): Close's feature film debut earned her an immediate Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She played a feminist writer and single mother, instantly establishing her as a serious dramatic force in Hollywood.

From the chilling intensity of Alex Forrest to the theatrical grandeur of Cruella de Vil, Glenn Close's filmography is a testament to her commitment to complex, often challenging characters. Her 2025 projects only add to this rich tapestry, ensuring that this legendary actress will continue to be a dominant force in entertainment for years to come.