Joanna Cassidy, the renowned actress known for her roles in films like “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” and “Blade Runner,” has recently celebrated her 80th birthday in style. In an exclusive photo shoot at a Malibu beach, Joanna marked this significant milestone in her life. The actress shared her thoughts with PEOPLE, expressing that she feels just as vibrant and youthful at 80 as she did at 30. She reflected: “Time is an illusion! I’m very aware of the fact that it’s passing very quickly, but it’s sort of nothing. I just say, ‘Go day by day.'”
Despite acknowledging that she isn’t particularly excited about reaching this age milestone, Joanna Cassidy is embracing the journey ahead with optimism and resilience. She views each passing decade as a new adventure, confident that she will navigate it gracefully. With a touch of humour, she remarked, “I feel like I’m 35 and I think I look pretty good.” Joanna credits her vitality to a holistic approach of nurturing her mind, body and spirit. She emphasises the importance of giving back and maintaining a genuine connection with others.
Joining Joanna in celebrating her birthday is her partner, Alan Hamel, with whom she recently entered a new romantic relationship. Reminiscing about their chance reunion after over 50 years, Alan describes their connection as miraculous. He admires Joanna’s compassionate nature and tireless willingness to help others, highlighting her as a source of inspiration for him. The couple plans to cherish this special time together, creating cherished memories and enjoying each other’s company.
Looking ahead, Joanna Cassidy is eager to explore new opportunities in her acting career. With multiple projects already in progress, she is on the lookout for a challenging role, preferably one that involves action-packed sequences. Reflecting on her past roles, including portraying emotionally strong characters, she expresses a desire to delve into the realm of the female action hero. Alan Hamel echoes this sentiment, praising Joanna’s physical prowess and suggesting she would excel in such roles.
In addition to her aspirations for action-centric roles, Joanna Cassidy finds joy in portraying versatile characters, including grandmotherly figures with depth and resilience. She envisions herself taking on roles that showcase her strengths and versatility as an actress. With a twinkle in her eye, Joanna playfully mentions her dream of playing Charlize Theron’s mother, illustrating her passion for portraying dynamic and compelling characters on screen.
As Joanna Cassidy forges ahead with vitality and passion into this new chapter of her life, she embodies a spirit of adventure and resilience that inspires those around her. Her journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of pursuing one’s passions and embracing each milestone with grace and enthusiasm. As fans anticipate her upcoming projects and on-screen endeavours, Joanna Cassidy continues to captivate audiences with her timeless charm and unwavering dedication to her craft.