The Remarkably Successful Career of Jamie Lee Curtis Through the Years

Back in 1978, Jamie Lee Curtis appeared on the screen in one of her biggest roles, playing the lead character in the popular horror classic, Halloween. Since then she has gone on to become a Hollywood icon, taking up roles in everything from dramas and comedies. Her life has been just as exciting as her movies, and as Hollywood has continued to evolve, so has Jamie Lee Curtis.

Born to Be a Star

Born in sunny Santa Monica, California in November of 1958, most people probably suspected that little Jamie Lee Curtis was going to eventually become one of the next renowned Hollywood greats.

Not only was this because she grew up in Los Angeles, no doubt rubbing shoulders with the children of many other famous movie stars at Beverly Hills High School, but also because both of her parents happened to have been some of the biggest movie actors of their generation.

A Line of Horror Stars

Jamie Lee Curtis wasn’t the only woman in her family to make a big splash with a memorable horror role. Her mother, Janet Leigh, was one of the most famous horror stars of the day.

Her biggest moment had probably been in 1960, shortly after Curtis was born, when she starred in the now infamous Hitchcock horror film, Psycho. Her shower scene earned her a Golden Globe Award and even a nomination at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

Dad Was a Star Too

Tony Curtis was also a big star during the 1950s, appearing in over 100 films. Like his daughter, he played in roles that ranged from lighthearted and fun comedies to serious and intense dramas.

One of his biggest roles also happened shortly after Jamie Lee Curtis was born, in 1959 when he starred in the film, Some Like It Hot, appearing alongside none other than Marilyn Monroe. The American Film Institute called the movie, “the funniest American film ever made.”

Everyone Thought Her Sister Was the Star

Even though Jamie Lee Curtis would one day be one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, everyone thought that her sister was going to be the movie icon. Her older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis, had already appeared on the big screen with her parents in 1958 when she was just a toddler.

Although she never became as big as her younger sister, she did go on to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and landed some smaller roles.