7 Shocking New Revelations About Jessica Lange: From 2024 Retirement Plans To Her Secret Life As A Photographer

As of December 2025, the legendary American actress Jessica Lange continues to captivate audiences with her unparalleled dramatic depth, even as she hints at stepping away from the spotlight. Far from slowing down, the two-time Academy Award winner has been the subject of significant news, from a major 2024 film streaming release and a highly anticipated stage-to-screen adaptation update to her candid comments on the current state of Hollywood and superhero franchises. This deep dive uncovers the most recent, fresh, and surprising details about the icon's professional and personal life, proving that even after five decades, Lange still has layers to reveal.

The latest buzz around Lange centers on her recent projects and a surprising, decade-spanning artistic pursuit that exists entirely outside of acting. While fans eagerly await her next move, new details about her critically acclaimed performance in a 2024 HBO film and the finalization of her passion project, a film adaptation of a classic play, confirm that her legacy is far from complete. Beyond the screen, her work as a serious, exhibiting photographer showcases a hidden talent that provides a unique window into her soul and her perspective on the world.

Jessica Lange: Complete Biography and Profile

Jessica Phyllis Lange is an American actress who has achieved the coveted Triple Crown of Acting, having won two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. Known for her versatility and powerful, intelligent performances, her career has spanned over five decades, establishing her as one of the most respected figures in cinema and television.

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• Full Name: Jessica Phyllis Lange
• Date of Birth: April 20, 1949
• Place of Birth: Cloquet, Minnesota, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: Approximately 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
• Career Debut: King Kong (1976)
• Notable Awards: 2x Academy Awards (for Tootsie and Blue Sky), 3x Primetime Emmy Awards (for Grey Gardens and American Horror Story), 5x Golden Globe Awards, 1x Tony Award (for Long Day's Journey Into Night).
• Spouse: Paco Grande (m. 1970; div. 1982)
• Partners: Mikhail Baryshnikov (partner 1976–1982), Sam Shepard (partner 1982–2009)
• Children: Shura Baryshnikov (with Mikhail Baryshnikov), Hannah Jane Shepard and Samuel Walker Shepard (with Sam Shepard)

The 2024/2025 Project Slate: A Final Bow?

Despite her long and illustrious career, Lange has remained prolific, delivering fresh, high-profile work into her mid-70s. The most recent news highlights her commitment to complex, character-driven roles, often bypassing the blockbuster machine she has openly criticized.

The Great Lillian Hall (Curtain Call) Release

One of the most significant recent updates is the release of the television film The Great Lillian Hall, which became available on HBO and Max on May 31, 2024. The film, which is also distributed internationally under the title Curtain Call, stars Lange as the titular Lillian Hall, a beloved and seasoned Broadway actress who faces a crisis of confidence while preparing for a new play. Her performance was immediately praised as a masterclass, highlighting the kind of deep, emotional storytelling that has defined her career. This role is a perfect example of the kind of challenging, art-focused work Lange prefers in her later years.

The Long-Awaited Film Adaptation is 'Finally Finished'

Another major project that has been in the works for years is the film adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Lange, who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of the troubled matriarch Mary Tyrone on Broadway, has reprised the role for the screen. In a 2024 interview at the Tony Awards press junket, Lange confirmed the film was "finally finished," signaling its imminent release. The play is considered one of the most demanding roles in the American theatre canon, and the film’s completion is a testament to Lange’s dedication to bringing the character’s profound struggle with addiction and memory to a wider audience.

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Candid Comments on Retirement and the 'Sake of Profit'

In May 2024, Lange made headlines with her candid comments about her plans for retirement and her strong critique of the modern film industry. She expressed a desire to step back, but her most notable remarks were directed at the proliferation of comic book movies. Lange stated that the industry has sacrificed "art for the sake of profit," suggesting that the focus on massive franchises has diminished opportunities for the kind of serious, adult dramas she excels in. These comments resonated widely, sparking a debate about the balance between commercial cinema and artistic integrity in Hollywood.

Jessica Lange's Secret Life as a Photographer

While the world knows Jessica Lange as a cinematic powerhouse, one of the most intriguing and least-known aspects of her artistic life is her dedication to photography. This passion is not merely a hobby; Lange is a seasoned, exhibiting photographer with a serious body of work that has been shown in major galleries globally, adding significant depth to her topical authority as a multi-disciplinary artist.

A Lifelong Passion and Formal Study

Lange's interest in photography dates back to her early life. She actually studied photography at the University of Minnesota on a scholarship before her acting career took off. Her work is primarily in black and white, focusing on candid, intimate moments captured during her travels and personal life. Her photographs often possess a stark, melancholic, and deeply human quality, reflecting the same emotional intelligence she brings to her acting roles.

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Major Exhibitions and Published Works

Her work has earned critical acclaim and has been featured in prestigious institutions. Notable exhibitions include shows at the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York (2009), the Multimedia Art Museum in Moscow (2014), and the Centre d'Art Santa Mònica in Barcelona. This exhibition record places her in the company of serious visual artists.

Her published collections, such as 50 Photographs and Highway 61, showcase her preferred subjects. The Highway 61 collection, in particular, is a deeply personal project, documenting the iconic American road that runs through her home state of Minnesota. This body of work reveals a quiet, introspective artist who uses the camera to explore themes of transience, memory, and the American landscape, often capturing the raw, unvarnished beauty of everyday life.

The American Horror Story Legacy and Recent Honors

For a new generation of fans, Jessica Lange is synonymous with the anthology series American Horror Story (AHS). Her four-season run, beginning with Murder House and concluding with Freak Show, cemented her status as a television icon, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Her roles as Constance Langdon, Sister Jude, Fiona Goode, and Elsa Mars are considered some of the most memorable in modern television history.

While she has stated she is unlikely to return to the AHS universe—suggesting she is up for "exploring new avenues" rather than revisiting past roles—her legacy in the series remains a cornerstone of her career.

Recent CineMerit and Volta Awards

In addition to her career achievements, Lange continues to be honored by film festivals around the world. In a recent acknowledgment of her lifetime of work, she was presented with the CineMerit Award at the 41st Munich International Film Festival. Furthermore, she and actor Ed Harris were both honored with the Volta Awards at the Dublin International Film Festival, another prestigious recognition of their contribution to international cinema. These awards, received in the last few years, underscore that her influence on the art of acting is a continuous, globally recognized force.

From the gritty realism of Frances and the comedic genius of Tootsie to the chilling terror of American Horror Story, Jessica Lange’s career has been an uncompromising pursuit of artistic truth. Her latest work, including the emotionally resonant The Great Lillian Hall, and the quiet power of her photography, confirms that she is not just an actress, but a profound and multifaceted artist whose contributions to culture transcend the screen.