Glenn Close

Glenn Close
Max Surprenant · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Glenn Close
Birth date	March 19, 1947
Birth place	Greenwich, Connecticut
Occupation	Actress, producer

Glenn Close is a renowned American actress and producer, known for her versatility and range in various film, television, and theater roles, including her iconic performances in The Big Chill, The Natural, and 101 Dalmatians. She has worked with esteemed directors such as James L. Brooks, Barry Levinson, and Stephen Frears, and has shared the screen with talented actors like Kevin Kline, Jeff Bridges, and Judi Dench. Close's career spans over four decades, with notable appearances in The Shield, Damages, and Albert Nobbs, showcasing her ability to portray complex characters in Hollywood and Broadway productions. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized by prestigious organizations, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Tony Awards.

● Early Life and Education

Glenn Close was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Bettine Moore Close and William Taliaferro Close, a doctor who worked with Albert Schweitzer in Lambarene, Gabon. She grew up in a family of modest means, with her parents later becoming involved with the Moral Re-Armament movement, led by Frank Buchman. Close attended College of William & Mary, where she studied anthropology and theater, and later graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her future career, with influences from Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio and Stella Adler's teaching methods.

● Career

Close's career in acting began with appearances in Off-Broadway productions, including Love for Love and The Crucible, directed by Tom Moore. She made her Broadway debut in The Member of the Wedding, followed by roles in Barnum and The Real Thing, earning her first Tony Award nomination. Her breakthrough film role came with The World According to Garp, directed by George Roy Hill and starring Robin Williams. Close's subsequent film appearances include The Big Chill, The Natural, and Jagged Edge, opposite Jeff Bridges and Peter Coyote. She has worked with acclaimed directors such as François Truffaut, Sidney Lumet, and Ron Howard, and has been a part of notable film franchises like 101 Dalmatians and Tarzan.

● Filmography

Close's extensive filmography includes a wide range of genres, from drama and comedy to action and adventure. Some of her notable films are The Big Chill, The Natural, Gorillas in the Mist, Hamlet, and Albert Nobbs, which she also co-wrote and produced. She has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters like 101 Dalmatians, Mars Attacks!, and Air Force One, alongside actors like Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, and Pierce Brosnan. Close has also lent her voice to animated films like Tarzan and Hook, and has made guest appearances in popular television shows like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live.

● Awards and Nominations

Throughout her career, Close has received numerous awards and nominations for her outstanding performances. She has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actress for her roles in The World According to Garp, The Big Chill, and Albert Nobbs. Close has won three Tony Awards for her work in The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden, and Sunset Boulevard. She has also received Golden Globe Awards for her performances in The Lion in Winter and Damages, and has been honored with a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in Albert Nobbs. Close has been recognized by prestigious organizations, including the American Film Institute, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

● Personal Life

Close has been married three times, to Cabot Wade, James Marlas, and David Shaw. She has a daughter, Annie Starke, who is also an actress and has appeared in films like Albert Nobbs and The Wife. Close is a longtime supporter of Women's Rights and LGBTQ+ Rights, and has been involved with organizations like Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project. She has also been open about her struggles with Mental Health and has worked to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the issue, partnering with organizations like Bring Change to Mind and The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

● Philanthropy

Close is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes and organizations throughout her career. She has worked with Amnesty International, The Nature Conservancy, and The World Wildlife Fund, advocating for Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, and Wildlife Preservation. Close has also been involved with The Actors Fund of America, providing support for actors and entertainment professionals in need. She has participated in numerous charity events, including The Tony Awards, The Oscars, and The Golden Globes, using her platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes, such as Cancer Research and Disaster Relief. Close's philanthropic efforts have been recognized by organizations like The United Nations and The American Red Cross. Category:American actresses