An Unlikely Path to Stardom
Let’s talk about Glenn Close, a name that’s practically synonymous with Hollywood greatness. Whether it’s her unforgettable role as the obsessive Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction or her portrayal of a long-suffering spouse in The Wife, Glenn has left an indelible mark on cinema. But here’s the kicker—her journey to stardom wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. According to The Daily Mail, Glenn grew up in a cult-like environment where conformity was king. “Everybody was supposed to say the same things and act the same way,” she recalled. How does someone go from that kind of oppressive upbringing to becoming one of the most celebrated actresses of our time? That’s the story we’re about to dive into.
The Cult That Shaped Her Early Years
When Glenn was just seven years old, her parents—William Close, a pioneering surgeon, and Bettine Moore, a former socialite—decided to join the Moral Re-Armament (MRA), a right-wing religious group. To say this decision had a profound impact on young Glenn would be an understatement. She described it as “devastating to a child,” explaining that it stifled her ability to explore her own identity. “At a time when you’re trying to figure out who you are, you’re being told instead who you’re supposed to be,” she said. It’s not hard to imagine how challenging that must have been for a curious, creative kid like Glenn.
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Glenn and her father, Dr. William. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Acting as Liberation
Glenn found her escape—and ultimately her voice—through acting. When she enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, she discovered a world where she could step into someone else’s shoes and, ironically, find her own identity. “By the time I got out [of the MRA], I didn’t trust any of my instincts because I thought they’d all been dictated to me instead of being my own,” she admitted. But acting changed everything for her. “When I walked into the theater school, it was the act of becoming someone else that helped me find my own voice,” she explained. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!
Forgiveness and Understanding
Life doesn’t always give us fairy-tale endings, but Glenn Close has managed to find peace with her past. Both of her parents have passed away, and despite the pain they caused her as a child, Glenn has learned to forgive them. “I’ve made my career figuring out the whys of behavior, and I did the same thing with my parents,” she revealed during an episode of The Jess Cagle Interview. She went on to tell The New York Times, “They had their reasons for doing what they did, and I understand them.” That’s a level of maturity and empathy that’s truly inspiring.
A New Chapter at 71
At 71 years old, Glenn Close has experienced her fair share of ups and downs, including four divorces. But instead of retreating into bitterness, she’s chosen to embrace life as a happily single woman. And guess what? She’s closer than ever to her daughter, Annie Starke, who’s 30 and plays the younger version of her character in The Wife. “I’ve never felt more alive or more eager for what’s coming next,” Glenn said, according to The Mail. “A lot of it has to do with figuring out who you are and knowing it’s OK to be that person. I guess you could say I’m a very late bloomer.”
