Jessica Lange Says She Was Turned Down After ‘One Look’ for 1976 “King Kong ”Film, but Later Hired for Breakout Role

Jessica Lange Reflects on Her Breakthrough Role in King Kong

Jessica Lange, the renowned actress celebrated for her diverse roles across film and television, has shared insights about her entry into the acting world, particularly her memorable audition for the 1976 classic King Kong. Now 77 years old, Lange’s journey began in a rather unexpected way, with her recalling the milestones that led her to land a pivotal role that would open the doors to her illustrious career.

In a recent episode of *Live With Kelly and Mark*, Lange candidly described her life prior to King Kong. At the time, she was 26 and had just returned to New York after a stint in Paris. During her time in France, she reflected that she had been considering taking acting classes instead of continuing as a waitress in New York’s West Village. It was during this transitional period that she caught the attention of a modelling agency, which had been approached by famous Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis seeking fresh talent for his ambitious project.

Initially, Lange’s prospects seemed slim. “Producers were not interested,” she recalled, reflecting on her first responses from the film industry. However, after some persuasion from her agent, she was flown to Los Angeles to perform a screen test. It was a daunting experience, especially considering her modest beginnings, “I was working as a waitress… living in a fifth-floor walk-up,” she recounted, contemplating whether she should take the leap and head to the west coast for the audition.

Arriving at MGM, a studio that had previously captivated her imagination as a child, Lange faced disappointment. “They took one look at me and weren’t interested,” she lamented. Fortunately, her agent’s insistence that she be filmed paid off. After much deliberation, the producers recognised something in her performance and extended an offer, which unexpectedly marked the beginning of her acting career.

Reflecting on her selection, Lange recalled a conversation with De Laurentiis, who boldly predicted that she would be “the next Marilyn Monroe.” This hyperbolic comparison certainly set high expectations; however, Lange admitted that her debut in such a significant film was not part of her original aspirations. The enormity of the project overwhelmed her, particularly since she had envisioned a more conventional start in the industry. Ironically, despite the film’s fame, she found herself with few offers for years following its release.

Nevertheless, Lange’s career trajectory soon shifted. In 1982, she portrayed Frances Farmer in the influential biopic Frances, a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination. She followed this with another notable role as Patsy Cline in the 1985 film Sweet Dreams, which again secured her an Academy Award nomination. These performances solidified her status as a serious actress capable of tackling complex characters.

Further showcasing her versatility, Lange took on the role of Joan Crawford in the critically acclaimed limited television series Feud: Bette and Joan in 2017. This role did not only win her acclaim but also nominations for a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, marking her impressive ability to navigate different genres and formats throughout her career.

Over the years, Lange has become an iconic figure in Hollywood, with her ability to embody a wide range of characters widely recognised. As she commemorates the memories of her early career, it is evident that her persistence and talent have allowed her to flourish in an industry known for its challenges.

Lange’s journey underscores the unpredictable nature of show business, illustrating how initial setbacks can sometimes pave the way for greater opportunities. Despite the challenges and rejections she faced, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors who dream of making their mark in the competitive world of film and television.