In 1996, while filming “Fierce Creatures” in London, Jamie Lee Curtis had a memorable encounter that she would cherish forever. On a long shooting day, Curtis found herself taking a much-needed bathroom break when Princess Diana unexpectedly visited the set with her two young sons. Unfortunately, by the time Curtis returned via her golf cart, Diana and the boys had departed. To express her regret, Curtis penned a heartfelt letter to the princess, which she left at Kensington Palace. In her note, she conveyed her admiration for Diana and explained her absence. Diana responded warmly, saying she understood the situation and would love to meet Curtis someday. Sadly, Curtis reflects, “She died a year later.”
During a recent interview at her home overlooking a lush canyon in Santa Monica, Curtis shared that she had baked banana bread earlier that morning. As she served strong cappuccinos, her little dog Runi kept her company. Curtis, who prides herself on her domestic skills, was delightfully generous, even asking if the interviewer needed a bathroom break before leaving. This warmth is a hallmark of Curtis’s personality, which combines a nurturing spirit with a fierce commitment to her beliefs.
On the day Princess Diana passed away, Curtis found herself grappling with the news in a personal way. Instead of succumbing to the media frenzy surrounding Diana's tragic death, she chose a different path. Sitting on her bed, she picked up a book by Insight Meditation guru Jack Kornfield, which posed two essential questions: “Did I learn to live wisely? Did I love well?” This introspective moment led Curtis to reflect on Diana’s bravery, especially during critical times like the AIDS crisis when she reached out to those marginalized by society. Curtis concluded that Diana indeed learned to live wisely and loved well—lessons that resonate deeply with her own journey.
Recently, Curtis appeared on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast to discuss her new film, “Freakier Friday,” and her production “The Lost Bus.” During the episode, they touched on the controversial figure Charlie Kirk, who had been assassinated shortly before. Known for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights—with her daughter Ruby being transgender—Curtis’s emotional response to Kirk’s death sparked significant backlash. Critics misinterpreted her remarks as supportive of his views, which she clarified was not her intention. Curtis emphasized that in today's binary world, embracing complexity is often met with vilification. “I can hold both those thoughts. I can be contradictory in that way,” she stated, highlighting the importance of nuanced conversations.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s rise to fame is intertwined with her experiences growing up in a household with famous parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Despite her “comfortable, not fancy” upbringing in Los Angeles, she downplays the influence of show business in her early life. It wasn’t until she starred in the iconic slasher film “Halloween” at 19 that she became a household name. Reflecting on her childhood, Curtis noted that she felt like a “D+ student” with no tangible skills but was surrounded by powerful women who shaped her perspective and philanthropic spirit.
Throughout her life, Curtis has been deeply involved in philanthropy, inspired by her mother’s commitment to charitable causes. From a young age, she participated in events that focused on helping less fortunate children, including her involvement with the Special Olympics. Her initiative at just 15 years old—soliciting Polaroid cameras to capture moments of athletes with celebrities—illustrates her early understanding of the power of connection and support.
After dropping out of college, Curtis navigated the challenging waters of Hollywood, landing roles in shows like “Columbo” and the film “Operation Petticoat.” A pivotal moment came when she auditioned for John Carpenter’s groundbreaking horror classic, “Halloween.” This role not only established her as the quintessential “final girl” but also set the stage for her illustrious career spanning nearly five decades. Curtis has since starred in numerous iconic films, including “Trading Places,” “True Lies,” and more recently, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” earning her an Academy Award.
Today, at 66, Curtis shows no signs of slowing down. With her latest projects, including “Ella McCay,” set to release in December, she remains a vibrant force in the industry. Her recent performance in “The Bear” has garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to embody complex characters. Curtis's approach to acting is as fierce as her personality; she dives into each role with an intensity that captivates audiences. Her co-stars praise her for bringing an unpredictable energy to the set, proving that she is as impactful off-screen as she is on.
As Curtis reflects on her life—from her humble beginnings to her current success—she expresses gratitude for her journey. “How the fuck did I end up here?” she muses, surrounded by nature and the comforts of home. When asked if she feels she has lived wisely and loved well, her confident affirmation showcases her commitment to both personal growth and her philanthropic endeavors. “The root of philanthropy—and the root of humanity—is the relationship between your understanding of reality and then your reality,” she asserts, encapsulating her philosophy on life and service.
