Glenn Close, born March 19, 1947, in Greenwich, Connecticut, stands as one of the most accomplished and versatile performers of her generation. With eight Academy Award nominations, three Tony Awards, and three Primetime Emmys, her career spans stage, film, and television over five decades. She is widely recognized for iconic roles such as Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction and Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians, yet her journey from a childhood in Connecticut to Hollywood stardom is marked by relentless dedication and a willingness to tackle complex, often morally ambiguous characters.
Close’s early life was shaped by a family that valued the arts, though she initially pursued a degree in anthropology before turning to acting. She made her professional stage debut in 1974 and quickly established herself on Broadway, winning her first Tony Award in 1983. Her film debut in 1982’s The World According to Garp earned her a first Academy Award nomination, setting the stage for a career defined by critical acclaim and a remarkable ability to inhabit challenging roles.
Who Is Glenn Close? A Biography of the Iconic Actress
March 19, 1947 (age 77), Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, Cruella, The Wife
3 Primetime Emmys, 3 Tony Awards, 8 Academy Award nominations
Estimated $45 million (2025)
- Glenn Close is one of the most nominated actresses in Academy Award history without a win (8 nominations).
- She is known for playing complex, often villainous characters (Fatal Attraction, Cruella).
- Her daughter, Annie Starke, is also an actress.
- Close has a significant presence on Broadway, winning three Tony Awards.
- She was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2019.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glenn Close |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Greenwich, Connecticut, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Years Active | 1974–present |
| Notable Awards | 3 Primetime Emmys, 3 Tony Awards, 8 Academy Award nominations |
| Children | 1 (Annie Starke) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $45 million |
What Are the Best Glenn Close Movies and TV Shows?
Close’s filmography includes more than 50 films, extensive stage work, and acclaimed television series. Her ability to portray deeply layered characters has made her a sought-after performer across genres, from psychological thrillers to period dramas and family entertainment.
Fatal Attraction and the Rise to Stardom
Her role as Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction (1987) became a cultural phenomenon. The film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and cemented her reputation for playing intense, psychologically complex women. The character remains one of the most discussed in film history.
Dangerous Liaisons and Period Drama
In 1988, Close starred as the Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons, a performance that earned her another Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of the cunning aristocrat demonstrated her command of period drama and her ability to convey ruthless intelligence with subtlety.
Cruella De Vil and Family Films
Close brought Cruella De Vil to life in Disney’s live-action 101 Dalmatians (1996), delivering a performance widely regarded as the definitive version of the villain. She later reprised the role in the sequel. Her take on the character balanced flamboyance with genuine menace, appealing to both children and adults.
Close played Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians (1996), not in a film titled Cruella. The 2021 film Cruella starred Emma Stone in a separate origin story. Close’s portrayal remains the definitive live-action version of the character.
Television Work: Damages and Beyond
From 2007 to 2012, Close starred as Patty Hewes in the legal thriller Damages, a role that won her a Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys. The series showcased her ability to command the small screen with the same intensity she brought to film. She also appeared in the geopolitical thriller Tehran in 2023, though her role in that series is unrelated to any previous project.
Recent Projects
In 2025, Close appeared in Ryan Murphy’s legal drama All’s Fair and the Knives Out franchise film Wake Up Dead Man, demonstrating her continued relevance in both television and film.
Who Is Glenn Close Married To? A Look at Her Personal Life
Close has been married three times. She was married to Cabot Wade from 1969 to 1970, then to James Marlas from 1984 to 1987. In 2006, she married David Shaw, a biotechnology entrepreneur. She has described marriage as not a “natural state” for her, according to interviews.
Daughter Annie Starke
Close has one daughter, Annie Maude Starke, born in 1988 from her marriage to James Marlas. Annie Starke has followed her mother into acting, appearing in productions such as The Girl on the Train and Albert Nobbs. The two have a close relationship, and Close has spoken publicly about supporting her daughter’s career.
Annie Starke, Glenn Close’s daughter, is also an actress. She appeared alongside her mother in the film Albert Nobbs (2011), which Close co-wrote and starred in. Starke has built her own career in film and television.
Advocacy and Voice Work
Close has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, same-sex marriage, and mental health awareness. She also lent her voice to the character Kala in Disney’s Tarzan and Tarzan II, and has appeared in The Simpsons and Hoodwinked.
What Is Glenn Close’s Net Worth in 2025?
Estimates of Glenn Close’s net worth vary by source. The most commonly cited figure is approximately $45 million, though some sources place it higher, around $85 million. The variation stems from the private nature of celebrity finances and differing methodologies used by estimation platforms. Close’s income has been generated through film salaries, television work, stage performances, and producing credits.
Net worth figures for public figures are estimates, not confirmed public records. Glenn Close’s net worth is reported as approximately $45 million by some sources and around $85 million by others. No official financial disclosure exists to verify either figure.
Glenn Close Career Timeline: Key Milestones
- 1947 – Born in Greenwich, Connecticut.
- 1974 – Professional stage debut in Love for Love on Broadway.
- 1982 – Film debut in The World According to Garp; first Academy Award nomination.
- 1987 – Starred in Fatal Attraction; nominated for Academy Award and Golden Globe.
- 1988 – Starred in Dangerous Liaisons; nominated for Academy Award.
- 1995 – Won Tony Award for Sunset Boulevard; won Primetime Emmy for Serving in Silence.
- 1996 – Portrayed Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians.
- 2007–2012 – Starred as Patty Hewes in Damages; won Golden Globe and two Emmys.
- 2019 – Named one of Time’s 100 most influential people.
- 2025 – Appeared in All’s Fair and Wake Up Dead Man.
Clarity on Common Questions About Glenn Close
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She has not won an Academy Award despite 8 nominations. This is a well-documented fact. | Her exact net worth varies by source; estimates range from $45 million to $85 million. |
| She has been married three times and is currently not married as of 2025. | Whether she will return to Broadway in the near future is not publicly confirmed. |
| She has one daughter, Annie Starke, who is an actress. | Specific salary figures for individual films are not publicly available. |
Context and Analysis: Glenn Close’s Enduring Legacy
Glenn Close’s career spans more than five decades, marked by a unique combination of critical acclaim and commercial success. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, yet her lack of an Academy Award win remains a notable talking point. Her roles often challenge traditional female archetypes, from the vengeful Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction to the aristocratic Cruella De Vil. Her recent work in the geopolitical thriller Tehran demonstrates her continued relevance in modern television. For readers interested in other iconic performers, see Winona Ryder – Biography, Comeback, and Net Worth 2025.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“I think the most important thing in life is to be true to yourself.”
Glenn Close, interview with The Guardian (2019)
She was named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019.
Wikipedia / Time Magazine
Close’s career and influence have been documented extensively by major publications. For more on her filmography, visit Glenn Close on Wikipedia, Glenn Close on IMDb, and Glenn Close on Britannica. Additional details on her stage work are available at Broadway World and Rotten Tomatoes. Her recognition as one of Time’s most influential people can be read at Time 100 Most Influential People 2019.
Summary: What Makes Glenn Close an Icon?
Glenn Close’s career is defined by extraordinary range, critical acclaim, and a willingness to take on roles that defy easy categorization. With eight Academy Award nominations, three Tony Awards, and three Primetime Emmys, she has achieved a level of recognition that few performers attain. Her portrayals of complex, often morally ambiguous women have left a lasting mark on cinema and television. For a look at another legendary figure, read Donald Sutherland – Cause of Death, Movies, and Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Academy Awards has Glenn Close won?
Glenn Close has been nominated for 8 Academy Awards but has never won. She holds the record for most nominations without a win.
Is Glenn Close married?
Glenn Close has been married three times. She is currently not married as of 2025.
Does Glenn Close have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Annie Starke, who is also an actress.
What is Glenn Close’s most famous role?
She is best known for her role as Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction (1987), which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Did Glenn Close play Cruella in the 2021 film Cruella?
No. Glenn Close played Cruella De Vil in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (1996). The 2021 film Cruella starred Emma Stone in a separate origin story.
What is Glenn Close’s net worth?
Net worth estimates vary by source, with figures ranging from approximately $45 million to $85 million as of 2025.
What TV series did Glenn Close star in?
She starred as Patty Hewes in the legal thriller Damages (2007–2012), winning a Golden Globe and two Emmys for the role.
How old is Glenn Close?
She was born on March 19, 1947, making her 77 years old as of 2025.
What is Glenn Close’s connection to the series Tehran?
She appeared in the geopolitical thriller Tehran in 2023. The role is unrelated to any previous project and is not connected to the film Damages.
Did Glenn Close win a Tony Award?
Yes, she has won three Tony Awards: for The Real Thing (1983), Death and the Maiden (1992), and Sunset Boulevard (1995).
George Bennett is Senior Reporter at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering breaking news and general UK stories.