Jamie Lee Curtis Talks Love For Acting

Jamie Lee Curtis, daughter of Hollywood royalty and goddaughter to industry titans Lew and Edie Wasserman, has always had an affinity for acting. Additionally, she is passionate about giving back through charity work and children's books.

She's one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood, having starred in films spanning all genres. From seductive to debaucherous, from slasher to comedic, here are 16 of her most memorable roles.

The Fog (1980)

John Carpenter's follow-up to his massive box office success Halloween, Fog is an adequate horror film that doesn't quite measure up to Carpenter's other works; nonetheless, it still manages to do its job admirably.

The Fog begins with a campfire story about ghost pirates from one hundred years ago. As the villagers of Antonio Bay celebrate their centennial anniversary, an unmistakable fog appears out at sea.

In another part of town, Nick Castle (Tom Atkins) picks up Elizabeth Solley (Jamie Lee Curtis), a hitchhiker. As they all listen for noises including a scream, something starts to happen.

Stevie Wayne (Adrienne Barbeau) announces a strange fog is engulfing a trawler. As it spreads, ghostly seamen emerge and begin to take everyone aboard hostage.

My Girl (1972)

Jamie Lee Curtis has earned her place as a horror icon through four decades. In The Fog, she's stalked by pirate ghosts wielding scythes; Terror Train features a revenge-seeking psychopath; and Freaky Friday features a teenage girl determined to murder her.

Curtis may have the reputation for being a loudmouth, but she's actually quite kind at heart. That's why she chose to star as the lead in My Girl (1991), a coming-of-age comedy-drama costarring Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin and Dan Aykroyd.

Set in the summer of 1972, Vada Sultenfuss (Chlumsky), an 11-year-old living with her father Harry (Aykroyd), works at his funeral home and becomes his best friend Thomas J. Sennett (Culkin), has multiple allergies and begins dating Shelly DeVoto (Curtis), also employed at the parlor. Through Vada's experiences there, she discovers more about herself than she ever could have anticipated.

Prom Night (1980)

Prom Night may not be the greatest slasher movie ever, but it certainly rises above its average status thanks to Jamie Lee Curtis. Additionally, Prom Night features some nudeness, an intriguing slasher and some outstanding disco dancing.

This classic slasher film follows the six year vigil of an innocent young girl as its killer seeks vengeance. He stalks four teens involved in the incident, seeking revenge at their high school's senior prom.

This film was adapted from an original screenplay written by William Gray and released on DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment in 1998, followed by a Blu-ray remaster from Synapse Films two years later in 2014.

The Secret Life of a Teenage Girl (1990)

Jamie Lee Curtis may have made a name for herself as the scream queen from the Halloween franchise, but her talent as an actor was undeniable. Her role as Hannah Miller in Anything but Love, one of her best TV performances, showcased this talent perfectly.

This soapy teen drama explores the consequences of teenage pregnancy and delves into sexuality and family life. Although it may be a little heavy-handed at times, its heartfelt approach to its topics makes it an excellent starting point for discussing these subjects with your child.

True Lies (1995)

Jamie Lee Curtis is best known for her roles in Halloween and the Scream series, but she had a distinguished acting career before and after horror cinema. In 1983, she starred in Trading Places followed by 1988 comedy A Fish Called Wanda.

She also featured on the TV show Anything But Love with Richard Lewis, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Hannah Miller.

Curtis is an accomplished actor who always gives her best performance onscreen. However, she took a break from acting to focus on her writing and speaking career, as well as becoming a full-time wife and mother - an admirable balance that allows you to balance being both an active actor and parent.

The Hangover (1994)

Jamie Lee Curtis is back on screen in A24's sensational hit Everything Everywhere All at Once after a long absence. The film has become both critical and audience favorites, earning Curtis her second nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after 19 years sober.

She is the subject of a new documentary, "Scream Queen," which chronicles her battle with alcoholism. In the video, she talks about her journey to recovery and passion for acting.

Todd Phillips' comedy hit was an unexpected box office triumph that transformed Las Vegas and its cast members. However, in hindsight there are many things to question about this movie that may not have been so clear-cut when released.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (1995)

When a group of robbers hijacks a subway train in the Bronx, New York police officer Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) and his coworkers try to escape with them. Their efforts don't go as planned, however; ultimately Garber ends up having to shoot one of the men to save his job.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is a remake that mostly succeeds, though its relatively low-key premise leads to cliches and predictable action sequences. Ultimately, however, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 ultimately falls victim to predictable plotlines and cliches.

Director Tony Scott, working from a script by Brian Helgeland, relies on constantly shifting camera angles to maintain tension throughout the story. Unfortunately, this detracts from its more fundamental components; while the robbers' coldhearted villainy is established early on, and other characters are well-crafted, it doesn't help that these elements are often overshadowed.

The Other Side of the Wind (1999)

Jamie Lee Curtis, born in England but raised in New York before returning to Los Angeles, is an accomplished actress. A member of the Screen Actors Guild for over a decade, she was recently nominated for an Academy Award.

She starred in Orson Welles' 1999 film The Other Side of the Wind, directed by him and reconstructed from an unfinished project he started back in 1970.

At a birthday celebration for an experienced filmmaker, The Other Side of the Wind offers self-deprecating autocriticism that pokes fun at both Hollywood and its viewers. Starring Peter Bogdanovich, John Huston and Susan Strasberg in leading roles, this comedy offers insight into both worlds.

The Kids Are All Right (1999)

Jamie Lee Curtis has remained true to her passion for acting despite a world where some are more interested in making money than nurturing their souls. Her family history in the arts and her own talent played an integral part of that decision, giving her passion an added layer of validation.

In the film, Curtis stars as Laurie Strode, a ghost who has been haunting Haddonfield for decades (in 1998's Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later she attempted suicide at the beginning of the movie).

She joins fellow Fish Called Wanda co-stars Annette Bening and Julianne Moore for this well-crafted thriller. Despite its slow start, the film quickly picks up pace as these two mothers strive to make the most of their lives even when things get really crazy. Check out the trailer below.

I Love You Man (1998)

Jamie Lee Curtis has always maintained an endearing consistency in her acting, beginning with her role as babysitter Laurie Strode in John Carpenter's Halloween. It would be one of many roles she would return to throughout her film career.

As an actress, she has demonstrated her versatility by taking on drama (Forever Young, My Girl) and action films like True Lies before moving into comedy roles like Trading Places or A Fish Called Wanda. Though she has yet to win a major award for her work, she has been nominated numerous times.

She took time away from acting to become a children's author and advocate for women's self-worth and body image. Additionally, she began working as a spokeswoman for Activia yogurt, which allowed her to stay busy while raising her two children.