Jessica
THIS 40-YEAR VETERAN OF THE STAGE AND SCREEN EMBRACES A QUIETER EXISTENCE BEYOND THE LIMELIGHT
Why Oscar-winning actress Jessica Lange left Hollywood for
Minnesota.
After a lifetime of chasing her dreams, Jessica Lange feels content enough to just stand still. The actress has been spending more time at her cabin in northern Minnesota — the state where she was born and largely raised her three children. “In recent years I’ve tried to come to grips with the idea that you can actually choose to be happy,” she says.
Jessica, 71, hasn’t retired from acting, but she’s relishing this time to lead a quieter, less stressful life. “The real Jessica is down-to-earth and has the biggest heart,” confides a friend. “There’s nothing she loves more than getting out of the city and being in a tranquil environment surrounded by greenery and nature, and wearing casual, comfy clothes and little makeup.”
As she’s gotten older, Jessica has made her family an even bigger priority. She’s the mother of Shura, 39, her daughter with dance legend Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Hannah, 34, and Samuel, 33, her children with the late playwright Sam Shepard. “She’s close to her children — particularly the girls — and adores the grandchildren,” says her friend. Granddaughters Ilse and Adah Bryan mean the world to Jessica. “Bethan motherhood, she gushes. “There’s the chance to do it again.”
WISE CHOICES
Jessica, who was nominated for her 10th Emmy last year for her work on American Horror Story, hasn’t quit showbiz completely, but she’s much more choosy now. “I wish I hadn’t done a third of the films that I wasted my time on,” she confesses. “What I don’t want to ever do, is waste my time doing stuff I should’ve just said no to. Time gets way too precious.”
—
“I feel lighter. Like a lot of burden is beginning
to lift.” — Jessica