Glenn Close Reflects on Life, Career, and Activism

Glenn Close, at 78, reflects on her complex upbringing, a life steeped in both privilege and trauma. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Close describes her childhood as wild and free yet marred by the impact of her family's involvement in the Moral Re-Armament cult, which they joined when she was just seven. In an interview with The Guardian, she shares that the abrupt shift to Switzerland was psychologically challenging, leaving her with lasting triggers from that experience. Close emphasizes that her early years spent in nature in Connecticut shaped her identity, stating, "What has sustained me is the landscape of my childhood, which becomes your DNA."

As a cultural figure, Close's career spans decades, with iconic roles in films such as Fatal Attraction and Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians. Despite her extensive work, she has yet to win an Oscar, a situation that some critics find perplexing. Close herself expresses contentment with her status, noting that she remains a more nimble and interesting performer compared to some of her peers, like Meryl Streep. Recently, she completed filming for the new Netflix film Wake Up Dead Man, part of the Knives Out mystery series, where she portrays a character that reflects her ongoing interest in nuanced storytelling, stating, "The quality of the writing often draws me to a project."

Close's activism also plays a significant role in her life. She participated in a recent anti-Trump march in her predominantly Republican community in Bozeman, Montana, highlighting her commitment to social issues. Close remarked on the experience, saying, "I think everyone is just longing to let other people know how they feel." She has made a point to engage with her local community, including attending a women's club, which she found enjoyable despite her typically reserved nature.

In terms of personal relationships, Close acknowledges she has experienced challenges in love, having been married three times and having a daughter, Annie, who she describes as being 'fiercer' than herself. Their generational differences in perspectives on relationships reflect broader societal shifts in tolerance for poor behavior in partners. Close's reflection on her past relationships reveals an understanding of her family's dynamics and how they have shaped her views. In the end, she emphasizes resilience, sharing a mantra she adopted after facing rejection: "Get up. Get up."

Through her reflections, Glenn Close presents a multifaceted view of her life as an actress and activist, intertwining her personal history with her professional journey, revealing a richly layered character who continues to captivate audiences and advocate for social change.