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From Model to Movie Star: The Story of Young Jessica Lange in Photos

Before Jessica Lange became a household name and an acting powerhouse, she was a young girl with big dreams, embarking on a journey to transform her life. Today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to explore the early years of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses. From her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise to fame, join us as we delve into the fascinating story of young Jessica Lange.

Humble Beginnings: The Birth of a Star

Born on April 20, 1949, in Cloquet, Minnesota, Jessica Phyllis Lange grew up in a close-knit family with three siblings. Her father was a traveling salesman, and her mother was a housewife. As the family moved around the Midwest, Jessica’s love for the performing arts began to take root. Her passion for dance, theater, and acting would eventually pave the way for her illustrious career.

In the late 1960s, Jessica Lange enrolled at the University of Minnesota to study art and photography. However, her thirst for adventure and creativity soon led her to Paris, where she studied mime under the renowned Étienne Decroux. During this time, she began her career as a model, which ultimately opened the doors to her acting dreams.

The Turning Point: King Kong and the Birth of an Acting Legend

In 1976, Jessica Lange made her film debut in the movie that would forever change her life: King Kong. Her role as the captivating Dwan catapulted her into the limelight, and although the film received mixed reviews, her undeniable talent and mesmerizing screen presence caught the attention of Hollywood.

Against all odds, Lange proved that she was no one-hit wonder. Over the next few years, she went on to star in several critically acclaimed films, including “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1981) and “Frances” (1982), the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

What sets Jessica Lange apart from many of her contemporaries is her ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles, constantly reinventing herself and captivating audiences with her raw talent and undeniable charisma. From her heart-wrenching portrayal of a mentally ill actress in “Frances” to her Oscar-winning performances in “Tootsie” (1982) and “Blue Sky” (1994), young Jessica Lange proved time and time again that she was a force to be reckoned with. Today, Jessica Lange is revered as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to consistently deliver robust and memorable performances have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Here below are some stunning pictures of Young Jessica Lange from her career.

#9 Jessica Lange and Meryl Streep at the 1983 Academy Awards.

#10 Jessica Lange in The Postman Always Rings Twice, 1981

#12 Jessica Lange with Jeff Bridges in King Kong (1976)

#20 Jessica Lange with Jeff Bridges on the set of King Kong (1976)

#23 Jessica Lange with Mikhail Baryshnikov, and their daughter, 1981

#26 Jessica Lange with Ed Harris in Sweet Dreams, 1985

#29 Jessica Lange in How to Beat the High Cost of Living, 1980

#54 Jessica Lange and Levi L. Knebel in Country, 1984

#55 Jessica Lange in Everybody’s All-American, 1988

Written by Orla Morris

Full-time dress and costume designer, Half Persian half Italian. I still don’t know how to write, but i'm writing and you are reading :)

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