Jessica Lange Says “King Kong” Was ‘Not What I’d Imagined My First Job Would Be’ 50 Years Later

Jessica Lange Reflects on Her Film Debut in King Kong and a Career Spanning Five Decades

Jessica Lange, renowned actress and two-time Academy Award winner, has recently revisited her groundbreaking film debut in the iconic 1976 movie King Kong. When reflecting on the experience on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Lange, now 77, described it as a “wild experience” that had a considerable impact on her career.

At the time of the film’s release, Lange was just 27 years old and found herself thrust into the spotlight. Despite the significant success of King Kong, she candidly revealed that it took three years before she received another movie offer. Her initial experiences in Hollywood were far from what she had envisioned, as she spent much of her time acting alone against a green screen with little to no knowledge of the industry.

During the interview, Lange narrated her unexpected journey to stardom. Raised in small towns in northern Minnesota, she never anticipated a career in acting, let alone a five-decade-long involvement in the film industry. “It was never something I thought would happen,” Lange shared. “Most of the towns didn’t even have a movie theatre.”

As she reminisced about her time on the set of King Kong, Lange recalled working alongside a massive mechanical gorilla hand, describing it as intimidating. She noted that the hydraulic machine posed a significant risk: “If something went haywire, it could have just, like, crushed me,” she remarked. In hindsight, she now appreciates the daunting nature of her first role, especially given her lack of experience at the time.

Interestingly, Lange’s journey to landing the role was not straightforward. Initially turned down for the part after an audition, she was working as a waitress in New York City when given a last-minute chance for a screen test in Los Angeles, thanks to the urging of her agent. This slight window of opportunity would ultimately launch her career, yet it did not immediately lead to more roles.

Although King Kong achieved substantial box office success, Lange struggled to establish herself in Hollywood following the film’s release. “The film came out, and I was completely dismissed,” she confessed, adding that she did not receive any further offers for several years. This period of her life was a challenging one, fraught with doubts about her capabilities as a serious actress in the industry.

Despite these early setbacks, Lange has built an impressive career that includes two Oscar wins, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony. Her remarkable achievements stand testament to her enduring talent and resilience. Recently, she reprised her acclaimed role as Mary Tyrone in a film adaptation of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, a part she described as “a gift from the gods.”

Lange expressed enthusiasm at the thought of continuing to explore such complex characters: “I could play it from now until the end of my days and still feel like there was something to explore and experience,” she said, highlighting her passion for acting even after decades in the business.

Reflecting on her journey, Lange’s initial experiences serve as a valuable insight into the unpredictability of an acting career. Her story illustrates that while early success can be fleeting, perseverance, and a passion for one’s craft can ultimately lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. As Lange continues to take on new roles, her trajectory in Hollywood remains an enduring inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere.